Eleanor Roosevelt was seldom seen in such a formally composed photograph and even less often in a luxurious silk brocade evening gown with sable trim.  Though she grew up in a world of American aristocracy, she identified with the "common man," especially during the Great Depression, and was loathe to put on airs - or make-up.

Perhaps Harry Warnecke and his staff  at the New York Daily News convinced her that the public wanted to see their First Lady looking less democratic and more regal in this photo shot at the tabloid's new headquarters on E. 42nd St., designed by Raymond Hood.

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Mrs. F.D. Roosevelt

Harry Warnecke, 1938
vintage tri-color carbro print
13″ × 17″