Description:

Kennedy John

1pp printed invitation to January 8, 1963 private exhibition of Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Bifold invitation bearing National Gallery of Art blind stamped seal at top. In near fine condition, with expected paper folds and minor edge toning, each page measuring 7" x 9.75". From the collection of Elisa Sullivan (1935-2012), Jackie's mother Janet Bouvier Auchincloss's personal caregiver and companion.

 

This invitation granted admission to a private black-tie viewing of da Vinci's Renaissance masterpiece on the eve of the general opening. The French government had loaned the painting directly to 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy for a three-month American mini-tour that would take it from Washington, DC to New York City.

 

The attached photo taken by Robert Knadsen shows John F. Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, French Minister of Cultural Affairs Andre Malraux, and Madame Malraux posing in front of the painting unveiled at the January 8, 1963 reception. Members of the Cabinet, Congress, Supreme Court, and Diplomatic Corps were also invited. "Mona Lisa" was viewed by over 500,000 people between early January and early February 1963 while it was on display in the West Sculpture Hall.

 

It is possible that Jackie presented this invitation to Elisa Sullivan as a gift. Elisa had started working as a caregiver for Jackie's mother Janet Bouvier Auchincloss (1907-1989) in 1979, after the former First Lady's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. After Jackie's death in 1994, Elisa worked for Jackie's half-brother Hugh "Yusha" Auchincloss III (1927-2015) as a book-keeper, house-keeper, and chef at Hammersmith Farm in Newport, Rhode Island.

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