Jimmy Carter’s paintings are up for sale for $6,000 to $8,000

Key Concepts

• Presidential Art: The artistic pursuits of US Presidents, specifically Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
• Art as Post-Presidency Activity: The role of painting as a pastime and creative outlet for presidents after leaving office.
• Art Market & Valuation: The estimated auction values of presidential artwork.
• Historical Context of Presidential Hobbies: Examining the historical precedent of presidents engaging in artistic endeavors.

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Jimmy Carter’s Paintings at Christie’s Auction

This segment focuses on the upcoming Christie’s auction featuring four paintings by former President Jimmy Carter. Three specific works are highlighted: a painting of a steeple created in 2010, estimated to sell for $6,000 - $8,000; a tranquil mountain waterfall scene, also estimated at $6,000 - $8,000; and a still life titled “an angry pomegranate,” valued between $2,000 - $4,000. This demonstrates Carter’s continued engagement with painting both during and after his presidency.

Carter’s Artistic Beginnings & Family Reaction

A brief anecdote recounts Carter informing his mother of his newfound interest in painting. His mother’s initial skepticism – “You can’t paint” – was met with Carter’s firm assertion of his ability: “I damn sure can.” This illustrates Carter’s determined personality and willingness to pursue his interests despite initial doubt.

George W. Bush’s Painting & Motivation

The video then shifts to George W. Bush’s painting hobby, referencing a 2017 interview with Jimmy Kimmel. Bush attributes his start in painting to boredom following his presidency. He describes the abrupt transition from a highly active schedule (“100 miles an hour”) to a period of inactivity, leading him to seek a new pastime. This highlights art as a coping mechanism and creative outlet for a former leader adjusting to life outside of office.

Historical Precedents: Grant & Eisenhower

The segment expands to include earlier presidential artists. Ulysses S. Grant engaged in art classes while a cadet at West Point, and a watercolor painting of a horse by Grant is shown. Dwight D. Eisenhower also painted during his presidency, primarily landscapes, and even attempted a portrait of George Washington. An Antiques Roadshow clip features a story about a portrait painted by Eisenhower gifted to a White House Chief of Staff. This establishes a historical tradition of presidents engaging in artistic pursuits.

Auction Results & Relative Value

The video provides context for the current auction prices by mentioning a Jimmy Carter painting of a Monarch Butterfly that sold for $525,000 in 2017. This significant sale is used to suggest that the $2,000 - $4,000 estimate for “an angry pomegranate” represents a relatively good value. This demonstrates the potential for presidential artwork to achieve substantial market value.

Synthesis

The video demonstrates that artistic expression has been a recurring, though often overlooked, aspect of the American presidency. From Ulysses S. Grant’s early studies to Jimmy Carter’s ongoing passion and George W. Bush’s post-presidency exploration, painting has served as a creative outlet, a source of personal fulfillment, and, in some cases, a valuable commodity in the art market. The inclusion of specific auction estimates and historical examples provides a detailed and nuanced perspective on this fascinating intersection of politics and art.