JFK image archive sells for $9,492

BOSTON — An assortment of 19 original negatives of President John F. Kennedy sold for $9,492 according to Boston-based RR Auction.

The images were taken at the ‘Winter White House,’ the Kennedys Palm Beach residency at 1095 N. Ocean Boulevard, in December 1962 and January 1963. The images were taken by photographer Eddie Johnson, who traveled to the Floridian getaway as the personal assistant of Elaine de Kooning, a celebrated portrait artist recently commissioned to paint President Kennedy’s official portrait for the Truman Library.

A total of nine strips, feature 19 images of either JFK, De Kooning, or both, with all but two images featuring the president, who is either captured in a full-length stance or in a seated pose reading or conversing with Secretary of Agriculture Orville Freeman.

The negatives include their original sleeves, which are dated either December 29, 1962 or January 3, 1963. Also included are two 35mm negative strips, with one containing six images and the other three images, with subjects similar to the above negatives.

Additionally, the lot features four handwritten letters and one typed letter from Johnson to his family. Accompanied by a group of 13 modern photo prints, 11 matte-finish and two glossy, containing select images of the president and De Kooning, with reverse of glossy photos bearing an Eddie Johnson copyright stamp dated to 1963, and two typed draft letters from Johnson to President Bill Clinton.

“We believe that many of the images have never-been-seen and provide a rare behind the scenes glimpse at De Kooning capturing her vision of JFK as president,” said Bobby Livingston, executive Vice President at RR Auction.

Among other Kennedy related lots was Father James Thompson’s rosary bead necklace which was present with him at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, that sold for $13,401.

Father James Thompson alongside Father Oscar Huber would administer the last rites to President John F. Kennedy and to comfort First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy with prayer in her time of grief. The gorgeous rosary has silvery pearl-type beads strung on a fine metal chain, features a sterling silver miraculous medal and sterling silver crucifix, and measures approximately 24.5” long.

Additionally includes two rare copies of pamphlets of the four-page memoir “Around One O’Clock,” where Thompson outlines the events of his day on November 22, 1963, offering yet another firsthand perspective of the tragedy, a funerary cross which belonged to Father Thompson; and a funeral card honoring Rev. Thompson.

Among other Kennedy lots: Jacqueline Kennedy’s elegant wool maternity dress sold for $6,456.