Description
Portrait of Lady Bird Johnson by Aaron Shikler, inscribed by Lady Bird Johnson to John and Bonnie Swearingen.
Mounted print, measures 11 x 14 inches. Signed by the artist, Aaron Shikler, below the print. Shikler is known for his paintings of American statesmen, including the posthumous character study of John F. Kennedy, which became his official White House portrait. Signed on the mount by the First Lady: “For Bonnie and John Swearingen – Who add sparkle and zest to my life – Lady Bird Johnson.” A fine example.
From the estate of John E. Swearingen, the president of Standard Oil of Indiana and one of the most influential oil executives of the 20th century. When he became CEO in 1960, he deemed Indiana Standard Oil to be a “second-rate company.” Through aggressive research and oil exploration, Indiana Standard quickly became one of the most profitable companies in the United States. Swearingen was vocal about his dislike for federal regulators, often supporting Republicans who shared his views on limited government. In retirement, he was a close friend of presidents Gerald R. Ford and Richard Nixon. Swearingen died in 2007, survived by his wife, Bonnie Swearingen, who passed away in 2020.
