Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Portrait |
Title |
Governor Robert P. Letcher |
Common Name |
Painting |
Catalog Number |
1904.1 |
Creator |
Artist unknown |
Date |
ca. 1855 |
Material(s) |
Paint/Canvas |
Dimensions |
H-55.125 W-43 D-3 inches |
Description |
This is a three-quarter portrait of Governor Robert P. Letcher. It shows a dark-skinned man with gray-brown hair and brown eyes. He is wearing a black suit, vest, stock, and white shirt. The right hand is open and is gesturing. The background is green-brown with a red drapery in the upper right. There is red, white, and blue flag fabric draped around a gray-green column or chair on the left side of the painting. |
Notes |
Robert P. Letcher (1788-1861) served as a U.S. Representative, Minister to Mexico, and the 16th Governor of Kentucky (1840-1844). He also served in the Kentucky General Assembly where he was Speaker of the House in 1837 and 1838. In 1840, Letcher was chosen as the Whig nominee for governor of Kentucky over William Owsley. Known for his wit, speaking skills, and fiddle playing, Robert "Black Bob" Letcher easily won his race for governor against Judge Richard French. Letcher cut spending on local projects because he believed the state should focus on statewide and national efforts to improve transportation. Although few projects were completed during his term, his conservative spending created a surplus for the state treasury. |
Collection |
Charlotte Letcher Collection |
People |
Letcher, Robert Perkins, 1788-1861 |
Subjects |
Governors Government officials Government Portrait paintings |
Physical Holder |
Kentucky Historical Society - KHS |