Representative Cora Reynolds Anderson

Cora Reynolds Anderson served in the MI House of Representatives from 1925-1926. She was both the first woman and the first Native American to serve in this capacity. This portrait of Anderson was added to the Capitol’s collection in 2016. Painted by Joshua Adam Risner and inspired by a photograph of Anderson, the portrait is a highly naturalistic depiction of the representative. 

Anderson gazes out at the viewer with a look of calm confidence. Her attire has been kept simple, and she wears just one long strand of pearls around her neck. The background is devoid of any objects, encouraging the viewer to focus on the woman’s face. A light yellow-green tone is blended throughout the blue-gray background, contrasting with Anderson’s purple clothing and adding a sense of harmony to the piece. Through the careful use of warm and cool tones in Anderson’s skin, as well as a delicate study of the lines and shadows that make up her face, Risner is able to capture not just the identity, but the essence of the sitter.