President Franklin D. Roosevelt Portrait Painting Circa 1940's Mid Century Framed

Details

Description

Notable Much Loved American President Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Watercolour Portrait Painting

Description Overview
An original 1940's mid-20th century watercolour … Read more Notable Much Loved American President Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Watercolour Portrait Painting

Description Overview
An original 1940's mid-20th century watercolour portrait of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt by Birmingham artist Beatrice S. Bullock (1878–1953). Signed to the front and fully inscribed verso with the artist’s name, Birmingham address, subject identification, and period pricing, this is a documented and historically grounded work with strong regional and transatlantic significance.

Subject & Medium
Watercolour on paper depicting Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945), 32nd President of the United States. A hand-painted, one-of-a-kind portrait capturing Roosevelt at the height of his international prominence.

Composition & Technique
The sitter is presented in a composed three-quarter bust, turned slightly toward the viewer. Roosevelt wears a dark suit jacket, white shirt, and patterned bow tie, with his distinctive pince-nez spectacles carefully rendered.
Bullock’s handling is controlled and refined:
Subtle, transparent washes model the facial structure
A restrained palette reflects mid-century British watercolour practice
Expression balances authority with warmth, avoiding overt formality
The result is an intimate yet dignified portrayal, emphasising Roosevelt’s calm leadership and intellectual presence.

Historical Context
Executed during Roosevelt’s presidency (1933–1945), when his global profile was at its peak. In Britain, Roosevelt was widely regarded as a central Allied figure alongside Winston Churchill, and his image held strong cultural resonance.
This portrait reflects a British artistic response to an American statesman of international importance, reinforcing its cross-cultural and historical relevance.

About the Sitter
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945):
32nd President of the United States
Only U.S. president elected to four terms
Architect of the New Deal
Key Allied leader during World War II
The portrait captures Roosevelt’s defining public image—composed, intelligent, and reassuring—qualities central to his leadership.

About the Artist
Beatrice S. Bullock (1878–1953) was an active Birmingham-based artist in the early to mid-20th century.
Resident of 14 Kingsleigh Road, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham (as inscribed verso)
Produced numerous watercolours
Donor to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (Heathfield Hall, 1938)
Exhibited locally, including at Park House, Handsworth Park
Associated with the Handsworth Historical Society
She represents a documented regional British artist, adding authenticity and collector interest.

Signature & Inscriptions
Signed “BB” to the front
Verso fully inscribed with:
Artist’s full name
Birmingham address
Subject identification (“President Franklin Delano Roosevelt”)
Period 1940's price notation “£10.0.0”
These inscriptions provide strong documentary support for attribution and dating.
Frame
Presented in a traditional gilt frame with double mount. Ready to hang and appropriate to the period.
Dimensions
Frame: 41.5 cm × 36 cm
Sight: 20 cm × 15 cm
A cabinet-sized portrait suitable for study, library, or curated interior.

Provenance
By the artist Beatrice S. Bullock (1878–1953), Birmingham, as inscribed verso.
Exhibited: Famous Lord Hill Museum, 4 April 2026
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Likely retained within a Birmingham context prior to entering the secondary market. See less