F. Roosevelt Signed Oval Office Photo, 1941

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945). Photograph Signed, “Franklin D. Roosevelt / March 4, 1941", 1p, 13.5" x 10.5", Washington, March 4, 1941. Framed to an overall size of 16.625" x 14" x .875." Not examined out of frame. Minor mounting traces barely visible along top edge. Some lightening to the signatures. In near fine condition. 

A candid black and white photograph of the President seated behind his desk in the Oval Office, flanked by his press secretary Stephen Early (1889-1951) on his right, and on his left, longtime private secretary, companion and possible mistress Marguerite “Missy” LeHand (1898-1944). Early signs below his image as “Stephen Early" and photographer Cecilie “Jackie” Martin (1903-1969) signs below LeHand's image as “Jackie Martin”. Naval knickknacks and donkey figures overtake Roosevelt's desk. An impressive and evocative photograph of FDR, nine months prior to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.

Between 1935 and 1939, Congress enacted legislation designed to keep America out of another European war. During this period, Italy invaded Ethiopia, China fought Japan, a bloody civil war engulfed fascist Spain, and on September 1, 1939, Germany attacked Poland, precipitating the Second World War, which involved England, France, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and Canada. Four days later, FDR announced the United States' official policy of neutrality, popular support for which stemmed from America’s initially reluctant involvement in World War I a generation earlier. By the end of 1939, Roosevelt urged the repeal of the Neutrality Act so the United States could provide aid to its allies. On March 8, 1941, the Senate passed the Lend-Lease Act, and Roosevelt signed it a week after autographing the here offered photograph, on March 11. The law allowed the United States to supply Allied nations without entering the war, and was one of the most consequential actions of his presidency.

LeHand started working for Roosevelt in 1920 and saw him through his polio, governorship of New York and into the White House. “At a time when executive secretary was the highest practical career ambition of most American women, Marguerite LeHand…was the first secretary of the United States. At a time when executive secretaries were often in practice or at least in theory ‘office wives,’ she was that, too,” (Franklin D. Roosevelt: His Life and Times, Graham, et. al.) When Eleanor was unavailable, LeHand was hostess in her stead and FDR often consulted her on political matters. Two weeks after collapsing at a White House dinner party in June 1941, LeHand suffered a major stroke which left her partially paralyzed with little speech function. FDR paid LeHand's medical bills and later made provisions for her in his will. He also sent her to Warm Springs, where he hoped she could recover with the help of the physical therapy staff there. Grace Tully (1900-1984), an assistant of LeHand, took over as Roosevelt's secretary, but was never a companion for Roosevelt in the same way as LeHand had been. After Missy departed the White House, she never saw FDR again, but he did keep in touch by writing letters, making phone calls, and sending gifts.

Early met Roosevelt while covering the 1912 Democratic National Convention as a reporter for the United Press. From 1913 to 1917, Early was the Associated Press correspondent covering the Navy Department, during which time his acquaintance with Roosevelt grew. After his return from World War I, Roosevelt asked Early to be an advance man for his 1920 vice presidential run. Early then worked for the Associated Press and Paramount News before returning to politics to become one of FDR’s press secretaries in 1932, a post he held until 1950. He went on to become President Truman’s Deputy Secretary of Defense and, later, his press secretary.

Martin was a pioneering female photojournalist, art director and editor of the Washington Times-Herald. She covered World War II in France and Italy, and her work appeared in major American magazines. At the time of this photograph she was associate editor for Women’s Home Companion.

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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