John Singer Sargent, American-British
“‘Walk Softly and Fondle a Large Knob.’ No, That’s Not Quite It. I Need Something Punchier But Equally Sexually Suggestive,” 1903
Oil on canvas
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How about “ When you’re the star, you can do anything..”
Info about this artist is pointed to in my comment and reply at another blog entry.
/// It was John Singer Sargent they chose
as his portraitist. T.R. would pose.
They could not agree where,
so both climbed up the stair.
Teddy wheeled on the landing and froze.
/// T.R. thought Sargent didn’t have vision
for the portrait and showed indecision.
Sargent needed good light,
and for that he would fight,
which the President took as derision.
/// With his hand on the knob of the newel,
Roosevelt started to say something cruel.
Sargent shouted “Don’t move!
Here’s the spot. I approve.”
And thus ended their war-of-wills duel.
/// The First Family all were impressed
by the painter. His portraits were best.
John would later report
posing time was too short.
Just one week in the White House as guest.
/// Teddy later was glad he said “yes”
to the painting, a total success.
His portrait (official)
he thought beneficial,
and he loved it, he’d freely express.
/// Grew his mustache to match Roosevelt’s face.
Hollers “Charge!” before each upstairs race.
Panama’s in his cellar
(where he’s brought each dead feller).
Teddy’s in “Arsenic and Old Lace.”