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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Monkey on His Back
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Monkey on His Back

Artifact ID1973.1.1388
Medium Ink and applied shading on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 11 7/8 in x W 9 3/4 in (30.2 cm x 24.8 cm )
Other (Matted) H 36 13/16 cm x W 26 11/16 cm (14.5 in x 10.5 in )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ tries to run with a huge chimpanzee ("War Costs") on his back. The chimpanzee is eating a dollar sign and tells LBJ to "Giddap!". Caption: “Monkey on His Back”. Artist signature lower left: "Hotch”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at upper center: [blue] “Line cut editorial page” “4 ½””. Handwritten at upper right: [blue] “Need today”.
Historical NoteThe Vietnam War elicited a lot of criticism for its high cost of life, financial costs, and diplomatic costs.
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
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)
Not on view
Place of Publication