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The Problem We All Live With / Sasha Obama's First Day of School
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Problem We All Live With / Sasha Obama's First Day of School
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

The Problem We All Live With / Sasha Obama's First Day of School

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.06192012-69-1
Object Type Painting
Artist
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 2001)
Intended Recipient (American, 1998)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date 2012
Medium canvas, paint
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 36 in x W 60 in x D 1 1/2 in (91.4 cm x 152.4 cm x 3.8 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPainting on canvas featuring a recreation of Norman Rockwell's painting "The Problem We All Live With" on the left, depicting six year old African American Ruby Bridges walking to her first day of school on November 14, 1960, escorted by four U.S. Marshalls. The right half of the canvas contains a depiction of First Lady Michelle Obama walking Sasha Obama to her first day at Sidwell Friends School in 2009, surrounded by Secret Service.
Inscriptions and MarkingsInscribed near bottom center edge: [artist's signature] 2012 Inscribed along right edge the left painting: 11-4-60 Inscribed near upper left corner of right painting: M.L.K Inscribed near top of right painting: POTUS'D Inscribed near upper right corner of right painting: John Loved Sarah Inscribed near lower right of right painting: 1/5/09 Inscribed on upper left edge of canvas: M.A.O. T. A.H. Inscribed on upper right edge of canvas: J.B.H. N.S.O.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to the First Family during the Obama administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack Obama Presidential Library 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
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
    Not on view
    Related Links
    Additional photos from Malia and Sasha Obama’s first day of school in 2009 can be found at the archived Obama-Biden Transition Project Flickr account: "Jan. 5, 2009: The first day of school”  
    The reference photo of Sasha Obama entering Sidwell Friends School can be found in an archived New York Times article: ”First Day of School for Obama Girls”  
    Additional information about Norman Rockwell’s The Problem We All Live With can be found at The Kennedy Center: "Norman Rockwell + The Problem We All Live With”