36 x 30 in. (91.4 x 76.2 cm)
Framed: 41 1/4 x 35 1/4 in. (104.8 x 89.5 cm)
Accession Number
2003.024.000
Credit Line
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
Object Details
Commissioned by prominent citizens of Washington, D.C., Mary Norton’s portrait honoring her chairmanship of the Committee on the District of Columbia was unveiled on June 19, 1935. Artist Elaine Hartley, winner of the 1934 Corcoran Art School portrait prize, received the commission, her first portrayal of a public official. In keeping with the style of portraiture popular during the period, Norton is shown half-length, in a colorful, descriptive setting. Her black-clad figure is balanced by the bright green desk blotter, flag, and multihued law books displayed behind her.
