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.
Three Kings Seek Their Star...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Three Kings Seek Their Star...

Artifact ID1970.2.102 (H)
Object Type Cartoon Clipping
Date ca. December 1963
Medium Paper
DimensionsOverall H 11 5/8 in x W 8 1/4 in (29.5 cm x 21 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPrint reproduction of cartoon drawing. German clipping. LBJ and two other men (identifiable as Charles de Gaulle and Nikita Khrushchev) carry gifts. De Gaulle carries Phrygian cap (“RF”) and follows two stars. LBJ carries a miniature statue of liberty and follows stars organized like those on the US flag. Khrushchev carries a peace dove and follows a red star with a hammer and sickle symbol. A small piece of paper “24.XII.63.(N)” adhered to lower right. Caption: “Drei Könige streben nach ihrem Stern, um der Welt ihren Frieden zu schenken. Wir hoffen, daß diese mächtigen Herrn auch an den von Bethlehem denken. [Three Kings Seek Their Star, to Give Peace to the World. We Hope that This Mighty Gentleman Also Thinks of Bethlehem.]”. Artist signature lower right: “Leffel”.
Historical NoteDuring the Johnson administration and general postwar era, much foreign policy was dictated by the Cold War, the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union for political influence amidst decolonization, associated with proxy wars, ideological struggles, the nuclear arms race, and the space race. In this cartoon, Lyndon Johnson offers liberty, Charles de Gaulle offers military power, and Nikita Khrushchev offers peace.
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 personally, until the President donated it to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum in 1970.
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 Nikita Khrushchev (Russian, 1894 - 1971)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (American, 1908 - 1973)
Person Referenced Charles de Gaulle (French, 1890 - 1970)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place Described
Bethlehem
Related Links