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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Shape of Things to Come?
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Shape of Things to Come?

Artifact ID1973.1.252
Artist (1909 - 1997)
Publisher (founded 1903)
Date ca. August 1965
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 5/8 in x W 11 1/2 in (32.1 cm x 29.2 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal four-frame cartoon drawing. Frame 1: A map of the continental United States has an eye. Additional text at lower center: “1965”. Frame 2: An ear and other facial features appear as the map starts to morph into the profile of LBJ. Additional text at lower center: “1966”. Frame 3: LBJ’s profile becomes more visible. Additional text at lower center: “1967”. Frame 4: LBJ’s smiling profile has completely replaced the map and the transformation is complete. Additional text at lower center: “1968”. Caption: “Shape of Things to Come?”. Additional text at lower right: “By C.G. Werner Indianapolis Star”. Artist signature lower right: "Werner”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower center: “To the President of the United States with best wishes Chas. G. Werner”. Handwritten at upper right: [underline] [blue] “Wed”. Handwritten at lower right: [underline] [red] [illegible] “5”.
Historical NoteThe Johnson Administration submitted 87 bills to Congress, and Johnson signed 84, or 96%, arguably the most successful legislative agenda in US congressional history. In this cartoon, the United States is made into Johnson's profile, demonstrating his impact on the country.
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 Described
Place of Publication