Folk painting, a memorial to John F. Kennedy, commemorating his presidential campaign and assassination, c. 1963. Oil on canvas board, in contemporary gallery frame. Signed by artist Don L. Moline.
A bust portrait of Kennedy is surrounded by scenes evoking his life and death. Clockwise from top: ghostlike figure of Kennedy campaigning; advertisement for rifle used by Oswald; Texas Schoolbook Depository, with "Nov. 22 1963" on window; the "grassy knoll" with outline of Texas and hand holding bouquet of roses; the Triple Underpass; Jacqueline Kennedy with Caroline and John Jr. in front of White House.
The artist, probably a Texas-based outsider or street muralist, clearly possessed considerable skill, and much thought went into his personal and topical memorial to the fallen president. A truly unique item reflecting popular reaction to one of the defining events in modern American history.
