Jacqueline Kennedy became acquainted with the work of the master portrait artist Aaron Shikler through the Lawford branch of the Kennedy family. Once Mrs. Kennedy discovered the work of Mr. Shikler, she commissioned various portraits of her children to be painted by the artist. Several of those works were featured in the Sotheby's auction of The Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. So delighted was Mrs. Kennedy by the work of Mr. Shikler, that when it came time for the discussion of her formal portrait that was to be hung in the White House, Mrs. Kennedy chose Mr. Shikler. [Mr. Shikler's portrait of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy hangs permanently in the White House.]
In 1970, Mrs. Kennedy was part of the Selection Committee to choose an artist to do the official portrait of the late President that was to hang in perpetuity in the White House. Again, Mr. Shikler was chosen. He approached this commission with the importance it deserved, producing five studies which were then presented to Mrs. Kennedy. This is one of those studies and the only one of the five that he created in oil.
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Aaron Shikler studied at The Barnes Foundation from 1941 to 1943. He attended Temple University's Tyler School of Art in Pennsylvania from 1940 to 1943, where he received his Bachelor's and Masters Degrees in Fine Arts. Mr. Shikler spent three years in the United States Army from 1943 to 1946 completing his final year of service in England at Shrivenham Art School. Upon his return to the United States, Shikler studied at Hans Hoffman's School in New York City. By 1953, Mr. Shikler had established himself as an independent artist and New York's Davis & Langdale gallery was the primary site of some 25 exhibitions. In addition to receiving the State Department's Travelling Grant, Aaron Shikler has been honored with numerous awards and prizes for his artwork. His commissioned portraits include President and First Lady Reagan and Queen Noor of Jordan. Shiklerr is considered by many the finest portrait artist in America today.
Oil on rag paper made by Dixon [illegible]. Circa 1970. Signed AAS '70 in lower right corner. 22 1/2 x 15 1/4, Framed 30 x 22 1/2.
* This lot is not part of the Robert L. White Collection