Governor George W. Romney
(1963-1969)

c. 1971
Painted by Shirley Essex
Oil on Canvas

Currently hung in the Capitol’s “Gallery of Governors,” this painting of Governor George Romney stands out because it is notably smaller than the pieces surrounding it. There is also a marked lack of objects in the background of the portrait which, in comparison to other recent governor portraits, is somewhat unusual. Paired with the smaller size of the canvas, this forces the viewer’s attention immediately towards the sitter.

Romney is painted in a simple pose, with one hand resting on the barely visible corner of a table beside him and the other raised in front of his chest. His expression is serious and focused, though his slightly upturned eyes communicate a sense of energy and ambition. Though the brushstrokes in Romney’s face are tight enough to render the portrayal naturalistic, they are much looser and more expressionistic in his clothing and the background of the painting, particularly around the man’s head. Though the color palette of the painting is relatively neutral, touches of blue and orange throughout the piece add activity and excitement to the painting.

When asked about the portrait, artist Shirley Essex expressed a desire to capture her feelings in the piece. She explained that she felt a sense of urgency about Romney, which made it hard for the governor to sit still during their portrait sessions. Essex relays this energy through her brushstrokes, which are choppy and full of motion. The prominent brushstrokes around the governor’s head, along with the ones that subtly outline his body, effectively suggest movement and urgency. Romney’s raised left hand adds to the immediateness of the portrait, as if he is about to gesture, or perhaps begin speaking.

Location: Floor 2, Rotunda