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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
That's the Ugliest Thing I Ever Saw
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

That's the Ugliest Thing I Ever Saw

Artifact ID1973.1.536
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Publisher (founded 1863)
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 1/2 in x W 11 in (36.8 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. A man ("GOP") with a cigar stares at a picture of LBJ holding a book ("The Budget") in front of the US Capitol. Caption: "That's the Ugliest Thing I Ever Saw." Artist signature lower right: "Ken Alexander”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: [blue] "Ken Alexander".
Historical NoteWhen Lyndon Johnson saw his official White House portrait by Peter Hurd, he said it was the “ugliest thing I ever saw.” The Johnson Administration submitted 87 bills to Congress, and Johnson signed 84, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in US congressional history, leading to a lot of government spending.
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)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
San Francisco
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