Franklin D. Roosevelt Sphinx Sculpture
12/9/1939
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This eight-foot-tall papier-mâché sculpture of FDR as the Great Sphinx of Giza was created as a humorous commentary on the President's prolonged refusal to say whether he would run for an unprecedented third term in 1940. The sculpture was the centerpiece for a satirical skit at the annual winter dinner of the Gridiron Club (an organization of Washington press correspondents founded in 1885) on December 9, 1939. Roosevelt attended the dinner as guest of honor.
The Sphinx sculpture was designed and constructed by James D. Preston, former superintendent of the Senate Press Gallery. The entire piece (constructed of papier-mache) is made to look as if constructed and carved from stone. The Sphinx's head is a caricature-style portrait of FDR and includes his pince-nez glasses. A cigarette in cigarette holder protrudes from the mouth.
FDR was so delighted with the sculpture he had it shipped to the Roosevelt Library, where it was put on display in 1941.
The Sphinx sculpture was designed and constructed by James D. Preston, former superintendent of the Senate Press Gallery. The entire piece (constructed of papier-mache) is made to look as if constructed and carved from stone. The Sphinx's head is a caricature-style portrait of FDR and includes his pince-nez glasses. A cigarette in cigarette holder protrudes from the mouth.
FDR was so delighted with the sculpture he had it shipped to the Roosevelt Library, where it was put on display in 1941.
This primary source comes from the Collection FDR-MUSEUM: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection.
Full Citation: MO 1941.12.40; Franklin D. Roosevelt Sphinx Sculpture; 12/9/1939; Gift Items and Commemorative Artifacts, 1941 - 2020; Collection FDR-MUSEUM: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection; Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, NY. [Online Version, https://www.docsteach.org/documents/document/fdr-sphinx-sculpture, May 2, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.