ORIGINAL 1953 CHILDHOOD PAINTING BY FUTURE U.S. SENATOR CHRISTOPHER DODD, WITH HANDWRITTEN PRESENTATION

Christopher Dodd (American, born 1944): "Sailing Ship," paint on repurposed wood with breadboard end, 1953, signed on the reverse with a lengthy presentation at a later date (see below), 22-1/2" x 18".

Dodd, a Connecticut native and graduate of Providence College and University of Louisville School of Law, began his political career in 1974, winning, as a Democrat, a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives for Connecticut's 2nd district, an office to which he was reelected in 1976 and 1978. In 1980 he was elected U.S. Senator, in which capacity he served until 2011—the longest tenure in Connecticut history. Among his more notable accomplishments as senator were authoring the Family and Medical Leave Act and sponsoring, together with Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank, the Dodd-Frank Act, which enacted sweeping reforms in federal financial regulatory agencies and the financial services industry in the wake of the disastrous Great Recession of 2007–2009. After retiring from Congress prior to the 2010 election he served as President of the Motion Picture Association and worked as a lobbyist.

The reverse of the painting, a childhood effort by Dodd, bears a pencil inscription reading, "Painted by Christopher, Age 9 Years, 1953." Next to this, in black felt tip, Dodd later inscribed the work, evidently as a token of thanks for support during his first congressional campaign, and signed at the conclusion: "To Stefan and Sharon—Two of the more beautiful friends Susan and I have had the pleasure of making during our first campaign—Stay our good friends—Chris Dodd, 10/26/74."

A singular—and singularly colorful—relic of this consequential figure in American political history!

Notes: Lacking lower breadboard edge; a few flaws to wood (both evidently representing the state in which the board was originally painted); a bit of minor wear to edges; otherwise fine, stable, attractive condition, with strong, bright colors

Fine Art, Paintings

15%

Michael Rodman | (313) 719-1181 | neverenoughbooks@outlook.com

Pickup Details

Private Residence

Milford, NH 03055

When to Pickup

Saturday, 12/10, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

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