John F. Kennedy, Jr. ceramic figurine

Object number2008.013.0001

Date1964

ClassificationsArtifacts

ObjectCollectible

Credit LineArt Richardson Collection/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

MediumCeramic

Terms

Collections

Pop Culture

DescriptionWhite ceramic figurine depicting John F. Kennedy, Jr., saluting his father's casket during the funeral procession. He holds his right hand to his temple and his left hand at his side. The figurine includes a pedestal that is engraved with the words: "John John". The back of the pedestal is engraved with the words: "A Grayson Original (c) 1964". The day of his father's funeral was John F. Kennedy, Jr.'s third birthday. Many photographers captured the moment he saluted his father's casket, and that moment became one of the iconic images of the Kennedy funeral.

Curatorial Commentary

John-John was the news media's nickname for young John F. Kennedy, Jr. His family never called him that, choosing instead to call him John. - Gary Mack, Curator

Curatorial Commentary

This 1964 figurine, manufactured by the Grayson Company, was one of a number of memorial collectibles - including figurines, plates, tapestries, and other items - produced after the Kennedy assassination.

This artifact was featured as part of a popular culture spotlight on WFAA-TV's Good Morning Texas program in 2011. - Stephen Fagin, Associate Curator