Frederick Douglass Portrait Unveiled In Md. Governor's House
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP/WJZ) -- A full-length portrait of Frederick Douglass is now the first painting of an African-American to go on display in the Maryland governor's mansion.
The portrait of the 19th century abolitionist was unveiled Monday night inside Government House, which is the name of the residence.
The portrait will hang in the mansion's Entrance Hall, across from a portrait of Queen Henrietta Maria of England, for whom the state is named.
"Frederick Douglass spent his life fighting for freedom and equality," said Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown. "Today, as we hang his po
rtrait in Government House, we continue to work each and every day to honor his legacy and build a more just, fair, and equal society where every child has an opportunity to grow and succeed."
Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration says the portrait was commissioned by Eddie Brown, CEO of Brown Capital Management. O'Malley thanked CEO Eddie Brown and his wife Sylvia for making the portrait possible.
"We've left the next generation with an inspiring tribute to one of the greatest Americans our country has ever known," O'Malley said. "With the unveiling of the Frederick Douglass portrait, Maryland begins the next 200 years of leading our country, together."
It was painted by artist Simmie Knox, who also did the official White House portraits of President Clinton and then-first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Douglass was from Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
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