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Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
Dancer
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum, Grand Rapids, MI

Dancer

Artifact ID1987.32
Object Type Painting
Date before 1976
Medium wood, canvas, paint, metal
DimensionsOverall H 29 in x W 29 in x D 1 1/4 in (73.7 cm x 73.7 cm x 3.2 cm )

Physical DescriptionA square painting features a group of female figures in various positions. They wear bright-colored clothing, jewelry, and flowers while they dance and play instruments inside a green and yellow structure. It is framed in a silver frame with a raised floral design.
Historical NoteYashwantrao Chavan, Minister of External Affairs for India, gifted this painting to President Gerald R. Ford on October 6, 1975. During a meeting with President Ford, the pair discussed current political issues in India as well as the Indo-U.S. Joint Commission, of which Chavan and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger were co-chairs. The painting, which depicts a dancer, is based on an image in the Ajanta Caves in India. The caves feature ancient Buddhist art, including sculptures cut into the rock and paintings. On December 8, 1975, Ford wrote Chavan a note thanking him for the gift and declaring it “a splendid example of the rich cultural heritage of your people.”Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Gerald R. Ford during the Ford administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
Use Restriction Status Restricted – Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of 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.