Portrait Tour - Supreme Court Alcove

Exit the back of the Old Supreme Court Room to see the portrait of Michigan’s first Black legislator, Representative William Webb Ferguson.

Looking Back at History

Though most portraits in the Capitol's collection date back to the 19th and 20th centuries, some pieces were completed much more recently to honor landmark historical figures. This portrait of Representative Ferguson, for example, entered the Capitol's collection in 2018. 

Rep. William Webb Ferguson 

Joshua Adam Risner (1976 -)

Oil on canvas

2018

Representative Ferguson served in the MI House from 1893-1896 and was the state's first Black legislator. This portrait was painted by contemporary artist Joshua Adam Risner using a historical style.

The hazy transition from light to dark tones across the background is characteristic of Tonalism, a movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries which focused on subtle shifts between colors to create harmony, elicit emotion, and encourage contemplation. The background colors, reminiscent of the sky at dusk or dawn, are intended to remind viewers that Ferguson’s election occurred at the dawn of a new century. 

Ferguson is pictured wearing a coat and top hat. Though this is not traditional attire for a formal portrait, extant photos of the Representative feature a similar outfit and Risner felt that the clothing added strength and stability to the man's form.