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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Over the Top
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Over the Top

Artifact ID1973.1.652
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States, 1912 - 1981)
Gifter
Publisher (founded 1829)
Date ca. March 1964
Medium Ink and developer on Craftint paper
DimensionsOverall H 12 1/2 in x W 17 1/2 in (31.8 cm x 44.5 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. Small LBJ leads a charge against a giant ragged hobo ("[The war on] Poverty") towering over a city. Caption: “Over the Top”. Artist signature lower right: "B. Green”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower right: [blue] “Journal Tues” “17 Mar 64”. Handwritten at lower right: [red] “55.5”. Printed across bottom: [Craftint manufacturer's markings].
Historical NoteThe most ambitious and controversial part of the Great Society was its initiative to end poverty. The Kennedy Administration had been contemplating a federal effort against poverty. Johnson, who, as a teacher, had observed extreme poverty in Texas among Mexican-Americans, launched an "unconditional war on poverty" in the first months of his presidency with the goal of eliminating hunger, illiteracy, and unemployment from American life.
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 Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Place of Publication
Providence
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