Beautiful, Oversize Harris and Ewing Photograph of Warren G. Harding, Inscribed to a Congressman and Dated 1922, During Harding’s Term as President

Warren G. Harding won election as president by promising to return the United States to “normalcy,” gaining over 60% of the vote. He became one of the most popular sitting U.S. presidents and he would easily have won reelection had he not died unexpectedly in 1923. After his death, a number of scandals were exposed, including Teapot Dome, as well as an extramarital affair with Nan Britton, which diminished his reputation.

This is a gorgeous oversize 11 by 14 inch photograph of Harding produced by the noted Harris and Ewing photographic studio, and inscribed “To Congressman Frank Murphy, with high esteem and much confidence and very cordial good wishes.” It is dated January 14, 1922, in the middle of Harding’s term as President. Murphy was a Congressman from Ohio, Harding’s home state, so they were likely personally acquainted. He was elected as a Republican to the 66th and to the six succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1919 – March 3, 1933). He served as chairman of the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of Commerce.