Lot # 345: Arguably the Most Iconic John F. Kennedy Image Extant – c.1960 JFK “Official Presidential Portrait” PSA Type 1 Louis Fabian Bachrach Oversized 11” x 14” Photo - Includes PSA Type 1 LOA

Category: Photos

Starting Bid: $1,000.00

Bids: 2 (Bid History)

Time Left: Auction closed
Lot / Auction Closed




This lot is closed. Bidding is not allowed.

Item was in Auction "Spring 2021 Rarities Auction",
which ran from 2/27/2021 10:00 AM to
3/20/2021 7:00 PM




(LOT 345)
Arguably the Most Iconic John F. Kennedy Image Extant – c.1960 JFK "Official Presidential Portrait" PSA Type 1 Louis Fabian Bachrach Oversized 11" x 14" Photo - Includes PSA Type 1 LOA

There isn't a "true-blooded" American that isn't familiar with this iconic 1960 John F. Kennedy portrait photo that was chosen to be the "OFFICIAL" Presidential Portrait illustration after it was widely distributed during JFK's 1960 Presidential campaign. Taken by the legendary photographer Louis Fabian Bachrach in the summer of 1960, Bachrach flew from his renowned Boston-based studio to Washington, D.C. and took 6 major photos of the then Senator Kennedy in only a 10-minute time span. Having recently passed away at the age of 92, Bachrach was the patriarch of the oldest photo studio in the world, inheriting this institution that was responsible for taking the official photographs of every U.S. President since Abraham Lincoln! As previously stated, this imposing PSA Type 1 black & white image was eventually used as the "Official Presidential Portrait" after JFK defeated Richard M. Nixon in November 1960 in one of the closest elections in U.S. history. Measuring an incredible 11" x14", this particular offering arguably resides as one of the finest examples extant, with the virtually perfect contrast and crystal-clear clarity literally "raising the hairs" of its captivated viewers. Printed on thick cardboard stock, Kennedy's well-centered image reveals a "matte-like" finish and his piercing gaze into the camera effectively turns back the clock to an era when this charismatic Senator would ultimately become the 35th President of the United States. No glaring flaws are evident, with only a few extremely light soiling spots and stray wrinkles barely visible to the naked eye.

The verso reflects a bold red "CAUTION! WATCH CREDIT – Full Credit as indicated must be used on this photo" caption as well as a newspaper clipping noting this was the official photograph used during Kennedy's 1960 Presidential campaign. The youngest elected President in American history, Kennedy will forever be remembered for his magnificent job in negotiating peace during the tumultuous 1962 Cuban missile crisis, with the United States and Soviet Union on the brink of nuclear war. Yet, unfortunately for President Kennedy, his most enduring legacy will be tied to one of the most tragic days in U.S. History when on November 22, 1963 he was shot and killed by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas. The country literally came to a sudden halt due to the shock and disturbing events of this earth-shattering assassination that claimed the life of one of America's most beloved leaders. Simply stated, Kennedy's sudden passing stunned an entire nation, and since that heart wrenching late November day, it comes as little surprise that historical collectors seek out JFK's most exalted keepsakes that serve as an effective link to his storied past. That said, we cannot imagine any photo possibly exceeding the highly celebrated prestige of this oversized Bachrach masterpiece that truly captures the essence of John Fitzgerald Kennedy's immortal standing!

MIN BID $1,000
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