1964 Lyndon B. & Lady Bird Johnson White House Christmas Gift Print by Robert Laessig, Framed

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A wonderful piece of American presidential history, this vintage 1964 White House Christmas gift print features “Southwestern Willow” by noted … Read more A wonderful piece of American presidential history, this vintage 1964 White House Christmas gift print features “Southwestern Willow” by noted American artist Robert H. Laessig (1913–2010). Laessig created the original watercolor for President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson’s 1964 Christmas presentation. The composition depicts the White House beyond the trees of the South Lawn, with the Johnson daughters and the family’s beagles incorporated into the pastoral scene. Along the lower margin is the Johnsons’ Christmas greeting:

“With our warm wishes for a joyous Christmas and a New Year full of happiness.”

The work is presented under glass with a wide neutral mat and narrow gilt frame, giving it a handsome, understated presentation well suited to a library, study, office, or collection of Americana and presidential memorabilia. A distinctive collectible combining White House history, presidential memorabilia and mid-century American illustration. The lower margin bears signatures of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, which appear to be executed in ink rather than reproduced as part of the printing. The standard 1964 White House gift edition was issued with reproduced signatures; this example appears to bear hand-applied signatures. The signatures have not been independently authenticated and are offered as found.

Provenance: From the estate collection of a former White House correspondent who served during the Johnson administration. The print bears the signatures of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Signatures have not been independently authenticated. This piece was acquired together with other presidential White House Christmas gift prints retained by the correspondent during her career covering the White House as part of a small collection of presidential White House Christmas memorabilia acquired from the estate of the, including examples from multiple presidential administrations as you can see listed in our sop. See less