Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Now Watch Very Closely...
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Now Watch Very Closely...

Artifact ID1973.1.919
Publisher ()
Date ca. February 1968
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 17 1/8 in x W 14 1/8 in (43.5 cm x 35.9 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Magician LBJ removes a cloth ("Gold Cover") from an empty top hat. In the audience an anxious dollar sign ("Dollar Troubles") watches. Caption: “Now Watch Very Closely--As If I Needed to Tell You”. Artist signature lower right: "Pletcher”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "For President Johnson, with the best wishes of Eldon Pletcher". Handwritten at lower left: “New Orleans Times-Picayune, February 23, 1968”.
Historical NoteIn March 1968, there was a crisis relating to the conversion of dollars to gold, which impacted the funding of the Vietnam War and Great Society.
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