Theodore Roosevelt 1915 Large Vintage Photograph After Pirie MacDonald

An oversized sepia-colored photograph of 26th U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), after Ian Pirie MacDonald's portrait of the ex-president, New York City, ca. 1915. The vintage photograph is remarkable not only because of TR's bellicose facial expression, but also because of its large size. Expected light wear to the photograph surface, including isolated scuffs and wrinkles near the bottom. Overall toning and isolated water stains and rubbing to the mat edges and corners, and it is gently bowed. Discretely pen-inscribed verso. Else very good to near fine. The sight size of the photograph is 11.75" x 17.125" while the chipboard mat measures 16" x 21.75" x .25."

Teddy's photographer Pirie MacDonald (1867-1942) claimed that Roosevelt was his most challenging subject, and historians point to recent harrowing events in Roosevelt's personal history for explanation. Roosevelt had nearly died from a leg infection and tropical fever while exploring the River of Doubt in the Amazon between December 1913-May 1914. Other stressors included a newspaper libel lawsuit filed against Roosevelt by a New York newspaper, and Roosevelt's demanding slate of speaking engagements, in which he tried to drum up support for American involvement in World War I.

Ian Pirie MacDonald exclusively photographed male subjects, leading to his nickname the "Photographer of Men." This may well have been "Photographer of Famous Men"; of MacDonald's estimated 70,000 photography subjects, many were famous statesmen, world leaders, writers, poets, playwrights, and journalists.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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