Profile Portrait of Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)

1936

Graphite on notepad paper

Overall: 7 x 5 in. ( 17.8 x 12.7 cm )

Gift of the Family of William Henry Walker

1990.1.205

The subject married her cousin Franklin Delano in 1905, and lived the typical cloistered life of an upper-class lady until her husband was struck with polio in the early 1920s. FDR's illness and eventual resolve to continue his political career created a unique opportunity for Eleanor to take an active public role. While serving as First Lady, she became a vocal advocate of rights for the poor, minorities, and women in America.

DescriptionPortrait

Markingssignature and date: lower left: "Wm H. Walker / Dutch Treat Club / Jan 14/36" inscription: lower right: "Eleanor Roosevelt"

InscribedSigned and inscribed at lower left in graphite: "Wm. H. Walker / Dutch Treat Club / Jan 14/36"; signed by sitter at lower right: "Eleanor Roosevelt"

ClassificationsDRAWINGS