The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
Artist
William (Bill) Eppridge
(American, born in Argentina in 1938)
DateJune 5, 1968
Mediumgelatin silver print
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineGift of Howard G. Davis, III A.K.A. David Davis
Object number2014.1220
Label TextThe veteran photojournalist Bill Eppridge covered Robert Kennedy’s presidential campaign for Life magazine. He stood behind the Senator during his brief victory speech after the California Primary on June 5, 1968. When leaving the ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles Kennedy was shot in the head by Sirhan Sirhan. Instinct overpowered emotion as Eppridge crouched at his feet, photographing busboy Juan Romero who knelt to hold Kennedy’s head. Though backlit and underexposed, Eppridge’s third frame showing Romero looking up is most poignant. Kennedy died the next day.
Verso:
The accumulated stamps and inscriptions on the back of this master print record that it was first used for a "Life" magazine illustration in June 1968, and was reprinted in four subsequent issues of the magazine. This famous image also later appeared in seven books published by Time-Life, Inc.ProvenanceTime Inc. Picture Collection
David DavisOn View
Not on view
John T. Stringer
November 1963
Wally McNamee
November 22, 1963
The Associated Press
November 22, 1963
