Portrait Tour - Gallery of Governors, Floor Three, continued

Continue to walk clockwise around the third floor rotunda railing until you reach the portrait of Governor Murray Van Wagoner.

Artist Spotlight: John Coppin

Photos courtesy of the Burton Historical Collection, Detroit Public Library

While each gubernatorial portrait is commissioned individually, some artists have completed more than one of them. John Coppin, a Detroit artist, is responsible for four portraits in our collection. Coppin was well known for his AAA Motor News covers, as well as the Michigan State University centennial paintings. 

Portrait of Governor Murray Van Wagoner

Governor Murray Van Wagoner

John Coppin (1905 - 1986)

Oil on canvas 

c. 1944

This painting of Governor Murray Van Wagoner was the first of Coppin's four portraits, and it is the most traditional. The governor sits in a relaxed post and smiles at the viewer, creating a welcoming feeling in the portrait. His clothing contributes to this as well: his suit, while formal, crumples as he leans forward, and his colorful tie appears slightly askew. The background of this portrait has been kept simple, with a classical red curtain cascading down the left side of the canvas.

Portrait of Governor Harry Kelly

Governor Harry Kelly 

John Coppin (1905 - 1986)

Oil on canvas

c. 1947

In this piece, Governor Harry Kelly is shown in a straightforward, simple pose within his office. Few brushstrokes are visible in Kelly's face, a more traditional approach, though they can be seen in his clothing and the background of the painting. This aligns the painting more closely with artistic trends of the mid-20th century, which included more prevalent, expressive brushstrokes. Notice the hyperrealistic rendering of the governor's right hand and its reflection on the glass table beneath it, as well.

Portrait of Governor Kim Sigler

Governor Kim Sigler 

John Coppin (1905 - 1986)

Oil on canvas

1950

Of Coppin's four portraits, the painting of Governor Kim Sigler is the most unusual. Sigler is pictured towering over the outside of the Capitol building, set against the backdrop of a bright blue, cloudy sky. Coppin plays with the horizon line, lowering it to make the sky more prominent. A plane is pictured behind the governor – a nod to the fact that he was also a pilot.

Portrait of Governor G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams

Governor G. Mennen Williams

John Coppin (1905 - 1986)

Oil on canvas

1961

This painting of Governor Williams is full of symbolism. The six red Michigan Manuals on the desk beside him nod to his six two-year terms in office, while the presence of a cross and Episcopalian book of prayer show his ties to religion. He wears his trademark polka dot green bow tie, and the Mackinac Bridge, built during his term, stretches out across the background.

Coppin goes further than these symbols, however, communicating information about the governor's personality and demeanor too. Williams leans back in his chair and smiles at the viewer in a welcoming fashion. The choice to smile in a formal portrait is unusual; generally, sitters are painted with a more neutral, ambiguous expression that allows for a more complex reading of the piece. Williams likely requested a smile, as the other Michigan governors painted by Coppin are not shown smiling.

We hope you enjoyed this tour through the Capitol Portrait Collection! Return to the elevator in the east wing to head down to the ground floor.