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  EXCEPTIONAL FDR MIXED MEDIA FOLK ART PAINTING BY FRANK TEACHER, JR., HUTCHINSON, PA (PITTSBURGH AREA), CELEBRATING FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT AND THE NITED MINE WORKERS' UNION, 1932-1944
Dimensions (inches): Work - 11.75' x 15.75", Frame - 20.5" x 24.5"
Description:
The medallion image in the center of this interesting and colorful piece of political artwork is a printed image of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, flanked by the words "In Him We Trust". Executed in watercolor and oil on heavy paper board, decorated with glitter, the surrounding text reads: "In Union is Power; Justice To All; United Mine Workers of America; Frank Teacher, Jr.; Local No. 5864; Hutchinson, PA". There are images of American flags with 48 cross-hatch stars and the pick and shovel symbols of the UMW.

Teacher worked in the Hutchinson mine in Hutchinson, which was located in Sewickley Township in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. In 1958, at the age of 43, he perished in the mine in a cave-in.

Implemented between 1933 and 1936, FDR's "New Deal" provided significant fuel for American Labor Unions. This work was probably painted between 1932 and 1944, while FDR was running for or in office.

A Brief Biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt:
After entering Harvard University in 1900, Franklin Roosevelt became active with the school newspaper Harvard Crimson. He became its editor in 1903 and that same year became engaged to Eleanor Roosevelt, his fifth cousin and the niece of President Theodore Roosevelt.

Enrolling in Columbia Law School in 1905, he passed the bar in 1907 and was employed by the prominent New York law firm Carter, Ledyard, and Milburn. In 1910 he was asked to run for the Democratic senate seat representing his childhood home of Duchess County, NY. Long held by Republicans, his win on the Democratic ticket represented a significant victory. In 1912 he won again, but was resigned in 1913 when newly elected President Woodrow Wilson appointed him Assistant Secretary of the Navy This became an increasingly important position as the U.S. prepared to enter WWI.

Like his cousin Theodore, Franklin aspired to rise in the political world. In 1920, he ran for vice president on the unsuccessful Democrat ticket of James Cox. The loss prompted FDR to reenter the business world, and shortly thereafter, in the summer of 1921, while vacationing with his family, Franklin started feeling weak and sickly. He was soon diagnosed with Polio. Like Theodore, he kept his charisma and humor in the face of adversity and made the decision to reenter politics by running for Governor of New York in 1928. Although he was unsure of his body's strength, he defied all physical odds and won the gubernatorial election in 1928 and again in 1930.

By 1932 a second Roosevelt had gained the White House. FDR went on to win again in 1936, 1940, and 1944. His election to his fourth presidential term led to the passing of the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which imposed a two-term limit.

Mounting: The vintage frame is a combination of an 1890-1920 period oak molding and a silver gilt, late 19th century liner with burgundy red over-painted surface. A mat wrapped in 100% cotton twill, black in color, keeps the work away from the glazing, which is U.V. protective glass.

Condition: Minor repair to restore paint loss.
   
Primary Color: red, white, blue, gold, black, silver
Earliest Date: 1933
Latest Date: 1944
For Sale Status: Sold
Price SOLD
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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