****MEDIA ADVISORY**** Author Margaret Leslie Davis Discusses NEW EDITION
Mona Lisa in Camelot: How Jacqueline Kennedy and Da Vinci’s Masterpiece Charmed and Captivated a NationNew York, NY —
The White House Historical Association has partnered with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy and Galerie Magazine to host a conversation with Margaret Leslie Davis, award-winning author its new edition, Mona Lisa in Camelot: How Jacqueline Kennedy and Da Vinci’s Masterpiece Charmed and Captivated a Nation. The book tells the story of Jacqueline Kennedy’s critical role in successfully implementing one of the riskiest art exhibitions ever mounted, bringing the famed Mona Lisa to the National Gallery and the Met for millions of Americans to experience in 1963. This book, first released by DeCapo Press in 2008, has been enhanced and expanded by The White House Historical Association with images of items drawn from the archives of the National Gallery of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art and the John F. Kennedy Center Presidential Library and Museum. New historical documents include:
- Reproductions of the exhibition opening invitations sent by the National Gallery on behalf of President John F. Kennedy.
- The National Gallery’s full exhibit catalogue from 1963
- The Louvre’s art and historical essay on the Mona Lisa
- Color images of the exhibit opening with the Kennedys in attendance
- The loan agreement between the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Government of the French Republic and the receipt confirming the painting’s return
WHEN: Wednesday, March 21, 6:30-7:30PM, Book discussion with reception to follow
WHERE: Albertine at 972 Fifth Avenue at 79th Street, New York, NY
If you are interested in covering this event as a member of the press or speaking with Margaret Leslie Davis, please contact Jessica Fredericks, Communications Director, at jfredericks@whha.org.
P.D.F. Resources
Download the PDFAbout the White House Historical Association
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. She sought to inspire Americans, especially children, to explore and engage with American history and its presidents. In 1961, the nonprofit, nonpartisan White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion’s legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association’s mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the Association has given more than $115 million to the White House in fulfillment of its mission.
To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit WhiteHouseHistory.org.