Outstanding matte-finish 7.25 x 9.25 head-and-shoulders portrait of Kennedy in a suit and tie by Fabian Bachrach, affixed to its original 9.5 x 12.75 mount, signed and inscribed on the mount in bold fountain pen as president, "For Governor Orval Faubus—with warm regards and every good wish—John F. Kennedy.” Attractively matted and framed by the White House for presentation to Governor Faubus to an overall size of 16.75 x 20.5. In fine condition.
A Southern Democrat, Orval Faubus served as governor of Arkansas from 1955 to 1967. In 1957, he infamously ordered the Arkansas National Guard to prevent black students from attending Little Rock Central High School, forcing federal intervention from the Eisenhower administration. After the 'Little Rock Crisis,' Governor Faubus maintained his populist image while shifting toward a less confrontational stance with the federal government, particularly during the administrations of Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Faubus maintained a cordial relationship with both JFK and LBJ, both of whom carried Arkansas in their presidential elections. A superb association piece, embodying the complex politics of the Democratic Party as the Civil Rights Movement began to gain traction in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Fabian Backrach was an American photographer, known for portraits of celebrities, politicians, presidents and other prominent individuals. Bachrach was best known for a portrait of Senator John F. Kennedy, which was later used as his official photograph after he was elected President in 1960. Bachrach's family, who own Bachrach Studios, has been in the commercial photography business for more than 140 years and is believed to be the world's oldest continuously operating photography studio.
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