Remarkable original portrait of President Kennedy drawn from life by Louis Lupas in 1961, pastel on paper, 20 x 28, signed and dated in the lower left, “Lupas, 1961.” Handsomely matted and framed to an overall size of 29 x 37. In fine condition.
Louis Lupas is widely acclaimed for his pastel portraits of presidents, politicians, and other high-profile figures, as well as his equestrian artwork. In the 1950s, Senator Barry Goldwater convinced Lupas to travel to Washington, where he became engaged as a high society portraitist. Kennedy sat for this portrait early in his presidency, and President Lyndon B. Johnson would pose for Lupas later in the decade. Lupas aptly captures Kennedy’s youthful vitality and the charisma that made him one of the most inspiring presidents in history. The artist’s pastel strokes are bold, vigorous, and direct, coming together to create an powerful, distinguished portrait of JFK.
