Courtesy of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Museum, National Archives & Records Administration.
Native Son
Artifact ID1981.10436.01
Object Type
Print
Gifter
William Johnson
Artist
William Johnson
(London, Ontario, Canada)
Date
20th Century
Medium
Paper, Ink
Dimensions9 × 6 in. (22.9 × 15.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionA colored print titled "Native Son" by William Johnson. The print features a mother and her child sitting on a porch in front of a white wood-clad building. Below the image is an inscription stating, "Johnson, __?__ best wishes Mr. President Brian Johnson." On the back of the print is a statement about the artwork and the artist that reads "'NATIVE SON' by William Johnson The warmth and dignity of mother love is depicted with utmost gentleness and simplicity. This young woman and her son are Canadian Indians, residents of Saugeen Reserve near Goderich. Dressed as they are in modern day attire, Mr. Johnson is presenting the Indian first and foremost as a human being. WHat we see is a universal denominator - love. The infant's hand is clenched in a fist- a hint perhaps of future struggles this 'Native Son' must face. William Johnson was born 49 years ago in Windsor, Ontario and taught high school for many years. He subsequently won a scholarship to study at the Ontario College of Art, successfully completing a 4 year art course in 2 summers. For the past 5 1/2 years, he has been painting full-time. At one point, he taught painting to Indians on the Muncie Reserve. Mr. Johnson was recently in Cyprus, where he completed a series of Paintings of Canadian peace-keeping troops. Seven of these now hang in the National Art Gallery of Ottawa. Other Johnson works are represented in the Father's of Confederation Building Charlottetown; Rothman Gallery, Stratfor/ Nancy Poole's Studio, London; Sobot Gallery, Toronto. Mr. Johnson is also a gifted abstract artist, examples of which can be seen in major corporations across Canada and England. He resides in London, Ontario. 'Native Son' is a treasured part of the permanent Sifton collection."Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© William Johnson
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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In Collection(s)