[Kennedy/Gallagher] Emiddio De Cusati (Italian, 1896-1984). View of Amalfi Coast, Italy. Oil on canvas-board. Signed Emiddio de Cusati at lower right. Framed: 24" x 30". A fine view of the houses lining the Amalfi coast, one of the most beautiful places in Italy. When the Kennedy party came to Ravello, they met up with Gianni (Giovanni) Agnelli (Industrialist and Head of Fiat), who also had a room at the same villa as the Kennedys. His yacht, The Agneta, was based on the Amalfi coast that summer, and he invited the Kennedys on board for water skiing and dining, on a daily basis. Mary Gallagher's typed note reads "August-1962 Present from the artist to Jacqueline Kennedy upon her return to the White House after vacationing with Caroline at Amalfi, Italy (Given to me by JBK. Mary B Gallagher)." It would be interesting to speculate that these pictures were the gift of Gianni Agnelli, and not the artists, and that on their arrival at the White house they were quickly donated to Jackie's Personal Assistant. This picture hung in her small office in the White House, above her table.
Provenance From the Collection of Mary B. Gallagher, Jackie Kennedy's personal secretary, and secretary to Senator John F. Kennedy. Author of My Life with Jacqueline Kennedy.
Condition Very good.