E. Lakin Brown

E. Lakin Brown served in the MI House of Representatives from 1840-1841 before entering the MI Senate, serving from 1855-1856 and again from 1879-1880. This portrait of Brown was made as part of a project to create paintings from extant historical photographs of prominent Michigan historical figures. The piece demonstrates artist Carol Gundy Guskey’s attention to detail, particularly notable in Brown’s face and fine white hair. The age lines near Brown’s eyes and forehead nod to the status he gained upon election in 1878, as the Senate’s oldest member.

Guskey’s eye for detail extends to the symbolic elements included alongside Brown. The two photographs on the table beside him depict Michigan’s three capitol buildings, referencing Brown’s status as the only legislator to have served in all three locations. A familiar “Green Man” from the third capitol’s interior decoration is included on the frame surrounding the Lansing capitols. Brown grasps a gold-headed cane, presented to him by his fellow senators in 1879 to honor his long and unique service. He also holds a gold watch, which he obtained in exchange for land awarded following his service in the Black Hawk War of 1832.