48 x 36 in. (121.9 x 91.4 cm)
Framed: 56 1/2 x 44 1/2 in. (143.5 x 113 cm)
Accession Number
2009.001.000
Credit Line
Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives
Object Details
The first African-American woman to serve in Congress, Shirley Chisholm was known for her strong principles and willingness to stand up for them. Her boldness is emphasized in the portrait commemorating her service. She is shown in a strikingly stylish coat, standing her ground before the Capitol. Nicknamed “Fighting Shirley,” the former educator earned her reputation from the beginning of her service, stating that she had “no intention of just sitting quietly and observing.”
