All About Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (Mrs. John F. Kennedy) by Aaron Shikler

Title of Artwork: “Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (Mrs. John F. Kennedy)”

Artwork by Aaron Shikler

Year Created 1970

Summary of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (Mrs. John F. Kennedy)

Jacqueline Kennedy commissioned Shikler to paint her and her children. Shikler claimed that his portrait of the former First Lady was intended to honour her fallen husband and to show the “haunted look in her eyes” brought on by her husband’s violent death. Her portrait continues to hang in the White House, just like that of her late husband.

All About Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (Mrs. John F. Kennedy) by Aaron Shikler

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis (Mrs. John F. Kennedy) is a painting by American artist Aaron Shikler that depicts the former first lady of the United States in a somber and dignified pose. The painting was commissioned by Jacqueline herself in 1970, seven years after the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy. She asked Shikler to paint both her and her children, Caroline and John Jr., as well as a portrait of her late husband for the White House

The painting of Jacqueline is unlike any other official portrait of a first lady. Instead of showing her face and smiling, Shikler painted her from behind, with her head bowed and her arms crossed. He said that he wanted to capture her “character, strength, and integrity” He also said that he was inspired by a photograph of Jacqueline at the funeral of Robert F. Kennedy, where she looked “very sad, very stoic”

The painting reflects Jacqueline’s grief and loss, as well as her resilience and grace. It also shows her elegance and style, as she wears a simple black dress and pearls. The painting has a dark and muted color palette, with a hint of light coming from the window behind her. The painting is one of the most famous and admired portraits of Jacqueline, and it hangs in the White House today.