Representative Ferguson

Though William Webb Ferguson served as a MI Representative 1893-1896, artist Joshua Adam Risner completed this portrait more recently. Commissioned by the Legislative Black Caucus and unveiled in February 2018, this piece showcases Michigan’s first black representative.

In an effort to situate Ferguson within his own time period, Risner painted this piece in the style of late 19th century portraiture. The hazy transition from light to dark tones across the background is characteristic of Tonalism, a movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries which focused on subtle shifts between colors to create harmony, elicit emotion, and encourage contemplation. The colors in this portrait are often read as the sky at dusk or dawn; in fact, Risner intended the background to remind viewers that Ferguson’s election had occurred around the dawn of a new century. 

Ferguson is pictured wearing a coat and top hat. Though this is not traditional attire for a formal portrait, Risner chose to dress the representative in this way to provide more strength and stability in the man’s form. Risner painted from the few extant historical photos of Ferguson, one of which features a similar outfit. Ferguson’s expression is serious, but there is a confident determination in his eyes. He gazes off at an unidentified area ahead of him, as if envisioning the future he has in mind for Michigan.