The Making of a Masterpiece: Teddy's Fourth of JulyPhase 15

“To me, Teddy’s Fourth of July is a snapshot of America at her best. I hope this painting captures the enthusiastic spirit of “Teddy” Roosevelt – and the nation and the little town that he loved so much.
— Mort Künstler


“It was such a pleasure doing a painting of someone I admire so much in a town that I love.”
— Mort Künstler

The Making of a Masterpiece: Teddy's Fourth of JulyPhase 14

Roger Bahnik and his wife Lori are the driving force behind the Boys and Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich. When Roger commissioned me to do this painting, chances to appear in it were auctioned off at the Boys & Girls Club annual gala. A number of local residents are shown in the painting.


“I had a lot of fun figuring out where to put my models in the painting. I gave Roger Bahnik the honor of driving T.R. Lori can be seen on the right side of the painting, by the carriage in the green dress and hat.”
— Mort Künstler

The Making of a Masterpiece: Teddy's Fourth of JulyPhase 13

Jim Foote impersonates T.R. at many events in Oyster Bay, as well as all over the country. In order to do his job so well, Jim has become an expert on Roosevelt. He helped with research, and posed for me in Roosevelt’s typical Panama hat and white linen suit.
— Mort Künstler


On a hot summer day in turn-of-the-century Oyster Bay, residents would have been greeted by Roosevelt in a cool linen suit, striding past the actual shops of the period seen in the background of the painting.

The Making of a Masterpiece: Teddy's Fourth of JulyPhase 12

Known for the historical accuracy of his paintings, Künstler spent many hours consulting historians, period photographs, books, and contemporary accounts. Down to the number of stars in the flags, the artist worked to perfect every detail.

Künstler went to an antique car show at Sagamore Hill in search of an appropriate car for “Teddy’s Fourth of July.”