Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis 1929–1994

Born Southampton, New York First Lady 1961–1963

Despite her French maiden name and fluency in that language, Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, like her first husband John F. Kennedy, was primarily of Irish decent. Her skillful diplomacy convinced France to loan the Mona Lisa to the United States, and her interest in historic preservation helped lead to the organization of the White House Historical Association. As first lady, Kennedy experienced the death of her infant son, Patrick, just three months before witnessing her husband’s gruesome assassination in 1963. Her remarkable poise during this time of unthinkable personal and national tragedy made her a symbol of strength for a nation in mourning.

This portrait, which was made for a 1961 Time magazine cover, shows a youthful first lady in front of the South Portico of the White House. The baby carriage in the background alludes to the young family that she and President Kennedy brought with them to the mansion.

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Time magazine