Skip to main content
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The Puzzle
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Puzzle

Artifact ID1973.1.1668
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 14 in x W 11 1/8 in (35.6 cm x 28.3 cm )

Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ works on a bent nail puzzle with a piece ("South Vietnam", "Nat'l Liberation Front") in each hand. He looks down at the pieces. Caption: “The Puzzle”. Artist signature lower right: "McCarty".
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: "Best wishes Gene McCarty". Handwritten at upper left: “Mon. Edit”. Handwritten at upper right: “2 - W” “50”.
Historical NoteNorth Vietnam did not want to recognize the government of South Vietnam and had the goal of reunification, while South Vietnam did not recognize the National Liberation Front. Meanwhile, the United States followed Containment policy, hoping to keep Communism from diffusing to other Southeast Asian nations, and aimed to leave Vietnam without the humiliation of defeat.
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
Subjects
Place Described
Place of Publication
Related Links