HANDSOME PHOTOGRAPHIC PORTRAIT INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT TO PRESIDENTIAL BIOGRAPHER BILL SLOCUM

ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Photograph inscribed. Washington: Harris & Ewing, circa 1940. Photographic print, measuring approximately 9 by 13 inches; framed, entire piece measures 10-1/2 by 14-1/2 inches. $5800.

Striking waist-length portrait photograph of Franklin D. Roosevelt as President, circa 1940, signed by the photographer in pencil, boldly inscribed by Roosevelt to presidential biographer Bill Slocum: "For Bill Slocum from his friend Franklin D. Roosevelt."

President Roosevelt understood the importance that photography played in creating the public's perception of prominent individuals worldwide. His prominent role as Commander in Chief of America's armed forces in World War II assured that he would be in the media spotlight and guaranteed that he would be the most photographed man of his era. Despite the handicap which prevented the use of his legs, Roosevelt insured that photographs portrayed him in a strong manner: "a vigorous, jaunty, active president engaged in the many activities of his office, waving to the crowds, smiling his infectious smile" (Graham & Wander, Franklin D. Roosevelt: His Life and Times, 328). Here, the President takes a dignified pose, his legs carefully hidden by the arms of his desk chair, holding his pen in his right hand as he looks off into the distance pensively. Photographer's credit ("Harris & Ewing") in bottom right corner. This photograph is inscribed to "Bill Slocum," better known as William J. Slocum, the presidential writer. Slocum is best known today as the author of Reilly of the White House, the 1947 biography of Michael Reilly, one of Roosevelt's Secret Service agents.

Light rubbing to frame. Fine condition.