Governor Fitzgerald

In this portrait, Governor Frank Fitzgerald sits in his office surrounded by books and paperwork. He turns slightly to face the viewer, with a document in his hand and a serious expression on his face. The piece gives the impression that the viewer has interrupted the governor in the middle of his work. Fitzgerald is painted realistically, but his face is idealized in that his skin is smoother and more evenly toned in the painting than it is in reality.

This piece is painted in the typical style of artist Roy C. Gamble. His brushstrokes are visible and expressionistic throughout the portrait, particularly in Fitzgerald’s clothing and the background. The governor’s suit is outlined with a thick black line, giving the figure a graphic quality that makes him pop off the canvas. The furniture is similarly outlined, though thinner, brown lines are used. This flattens the scene slightly. These stylistic choices relate to Gamble’s interest in commercial art and can be seen in other portraits by the artist in the Capitol’s collection as well.