Cat Ryan submits-
I asked why Governor Baker selected Governor Volpe’s portrait for the Governor’s office at the State House.
Here’s an update and photograph from the State House curator, Susan Greendyke Lachevre:
“I have attached an image of the Volpe portrait, which was selected by the governor himself, as is customary, for display in his office. Governor Baker’s father served under Volpe while he was secretary of transportation In Washington…The State House is one of the oldest state capitols in the country, and the building is on the National Register. Renovations started almost as soon as it was occupied in 1798 with the coppering of the wooden dome. As a functioning seat of government and a popular visitor attraction, it gets a lot of wear and tear, and is constantly undergoing careful historic renovation or updating somewhere within its 600,000 square feet. I doubt if it will ever stop.”
Catherine adds:
The official Governor portrait for John Anthony Volpe was painted by Pietro Annigoni, 1963. Governor Romney and Governor Cellucci also picked the Volpe portrait by Pietro Annigoni. What about Governor Volpe? For his first term, Volpe selected a portrait of Governor Christian Herter. Herter’s father was artist Albert Herter who painted the murals in the House chamber. His grandfather, Christian, owned Herter Brothers, the legendary 19th-century cabinetmaking and decorating firm. I don’t have a picture of the Governor Herter portrait.
For Volpe’s second term, he displayed the Robert Gordon Hardie portrait of Governor Marcus Morton (1840-1841, 1843-1844).
For Volpe’s third term, he chose a portrait of Governor Leverett Saltonstall III. The Saltonstall portrait remained on view through 1975 for Governor Francis Sargent. At that time the predecessor portrait was displayed behind the governor.
I don’t have a great photo of the Saltonstall portrait, but I liked the signing ceremony with Hollywood star, Dorothy Lamour, visiting the State House promoting and presenting a War Bond prize:
“To the winners of the Ward Bond prize awarded to the first set of twin War Bond Babies Contest…Whereas the Motion Picture Industry has been designated as the spearhead of the US Treasury Department September Billion Dollar Drive for the sale of War Bonds and Stamps…extend thanks to the Massachusetts Division of the War Activities Committee and the undersigned managers and theater owners for untiring efforts…” The Governor’s office looks packed.
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Good Morning Gloucester 
This has been so great learning about the art history from your posts Catherine. I appreciate all the work you have done.
Thank you for doing so much research.
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Thank you Pauline! Jonas Lie is my area– but the political portraits literally looking over the shoulder was news for me. Are you right about the clock? My mother went to blanchards 🙂
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I second what PaulinesGifts had to say the history and the why behind it! 🙂 Dave & Kim 🙂
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Hi Dave and Kim. You’re welcome –what’s the art in the background along with what’s the background behind the art is a fun combo.
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Mom told me there was a place to the church in Annisquam as she lived in Bayview then – corner that a lot of movie stars would come visit guest houses too! It was before I came around in to life thanks! 🙂 Dave & Kim 🙂
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