Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Symbol of the Times
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Symbol of the Times

Artifact ID1973.1.1138
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1932 - 2022)
Publisher (founded 1888)
Gifter
Date ca. November 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/8 in x W 11 1/4 in (35.9 cm x 28.6 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A dove ("Paris Peace Talks") is squeezed in the center upright of a large peace symbol. LBJ is on one side pushing up on the bird and another man (identifiable as Nguyen Van Thieu, "Saigon") is on the other side pulling the bird's leg down. Caption: “Symbol of the Times”. Artist signature lower right: "Bob Taylor”.
Historical NoteNorth Vietnam did not want to recognize the government of South Vietnam and had the goal of reunification, while South Vietnam did not recognize the National Liberation Front. Meanwhile, the United States followed Containment policy, hoping to keep Communism from diffusing to other Southeast Asian nations, and aimed to leave Vietnam without the humiliation of defeat. Peace talks began in May 1968 in Paris, but they took years before any resolution could be reached due to setbacks and arguments about legitimacy.
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 Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
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 Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Nguyen Van Thieu (Vietnam, 1923 - 2001)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Dallas
Related Links