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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
'The Splendid Misery'
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

'The Splendid Misery'

Artifact ID1973.1.2193
Publisher (founded 1905)
Date ca. September 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 19 1/4 in x W 14 in (48.9 cm x 35.6 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Beneath pictures of men (identifiable as Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln) on the wall, LBJ works by lamplight at his desk covered with documents ("Vietnam War”, “Cities”, “Riots”, “Crime”, and “Strikes"). Caption: “'The Splendid Misery'”. Additional text at lower left: “Detroit News ‘67”. Artist signature lower right: "Poinier”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: “To President Johnson With sincere good wishes Arthur Poinier”. Handwritten at lower left: “9/17/67”.
Historical Note"The Splendid Misery" was the title of a 1960 book studying the American Presidency and power politics at close range.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Franklin Delano Roosevelt (United States, 1882 - 1945)
Person Referenced Woodrow Wilson (United States, 1856 - 1924)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Abraham Lincoln (United States, 1809 - 1865)
Not on view
Place of Publication