Magnificent and crystal-clear vintage matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 Underwood and Underwood portrait of Roosevelt, clad in a three-piece suit and his riding boots, sitting in his yard at Sagamore Hill, signed and inscribed in the lower border in fountain pen “Inscribed for Daniel E. Paris, with the best wishes of Theodore Roosevelt, June 28th, 1917.” Framed to an overall size of 11.5 x 14.75. In fine condition. Important to note that the “Underwood and Underwood” notation is handwritten in white ink at the lower left of the image, while the common practice was for the photographer’s notation to be etched into the negative itself for mass production, signifying that this is a much more exclusive, rarer printing.
A portion of TR’s attire—his riding boots—pay homage to the active role the former president played in steering America toward war. This particular image was signed about three weeks after the start of the draft for World War I and just days after TR traveled with his family to New York Harbor to see sons Archibald and Theodore, Jr. off to war. TR had long been an outspoken proponent of US involvement in the conflict, a stance opposed by Woodrow Wilson. With the nation bolstered by Roosevelt’s continued insistence on war, Congress entered the fray in April 1917, with Wilson sending more than one million troops—including two of the Roosevelt children—off to fight in the trenches. A superb photo of the former president and heroic Rough Rider who, though no longer in office, used his standing as a statesman to influence political decision. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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