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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
You Call That Realistic--Call Norman Rockwell!
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

You Call That Realistic--Call Norman Rockwell!

Artifact ID1973.1.845
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist
Publisher ()
Gifter
Date ca. January 1967
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 11 3/4 in (35.6 cm x 29.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ holds artist brushes while man wearing only a barrel yells at an LBJ portrait with the capitol in background signed by "Lyndon Johnson". In the portrait, LBJ Is holding a book ("$172 Billion Record Budget with Deficit"). Caption: “You Call That Realistic--Call Norman Rockwell!”. Artist signature lower left: "Hy Rosen”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower center: [blue] “To a fine artist of government - LBJ / Best - Hy Rosen - 1/27/67”. Handwritten at lower right: [red] “56”. Handwritten at center right: “3 col” [illegible]. Handwritten at upper right: “10 proofs Jan 25/67”.
Historical NoteIn 1968, President Johnson asked for a $172 billion budget with the highest percentages going toward the Vietnam War and the Great Society programs. When Johnson saw his official White House portrait by Peter Hurd, similar to the portrait in this cartoon, he said it was the “ugliest thing I ever saw.” John Q Public is a character often included in political cartoons to depict the average citizen, often portrayed with glasses, a mustache, and a fedora.
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 Norman Rockwell (American, 1894 - 1978)
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (American, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Albany
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