Vintage official semi-glossy 9.75 x 12.25 photo of Kennedy sitting in his favorite seat in the Oval Office, his stiff-backed rocking chair, as he engages in conversation with publisher Matthew Culligan, signed and inscribed in black ink, “For Matthew Culligan, with esteem and warm regards, John F. Kennedy.” Photo is affixed to its original 12 x 17 mount and beautifully suede-matted and framed with archival materials to an overall size of 19.5 x 22.5. In fine condition. Provenance: Charles Hamilton, circa 1984.
When Matthew Culligan became president and COO of the Curtis Publishing Company in 1962—responsible for the publication of the Saturday Evening Post and Ladies’ Home Journal, among other things—he faced the challenge of revitalizing the public’s interest in periodicals at a time when television reigned. To raise revenue, Culligan toured the country visiting corporate leaders, and asked President John F. Kennedy to provide him with anecdotes to use in pitches. This photo captures that meeting with wonderful charm, as the two casually chat in the Oval Office. Quite possibly one of the finest signed photos of JFK in existence. RR Auction COA.
