The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) — Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin today celebrated the unveiling of the Governor’s official portrait as the 74th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Painted by Virginia artist Jonathan Linton, the Governor and First Lady made multiple visits to his Sterling, Virginia studio throughout the year. The portrait will be displayed in the Governor’s Gallery on the third floor of the Virginia State Capitol, alongside those of his predecessors. Sixteen portraits are displayed in the gallery at one time; as part of this rotation, the portrait of Virginia’s 58th Governor, James Lindsay Almond, Jr., was rotated out. Governor Youngkin’s portrait will hang for upwards of 60 years before it is rotated out of the Capitol and transferred to the Library of Virginia for permanent preservation.
“When we entered into this season of service for the 8.8 million Virginians who hired us, we went into it with the full knowledge that in Virginia, you get four years to serve,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This portrait reflects not just one administration, but the enduring values of faith and service that are the foundation of Virginia’s strength. I thank my family, especially the First Lady, for their unwavering love and sacrifice, the dedicated public servants who worked alongside us, and artist Jonathan Linton for capturing this moment with such care and meaning. I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together these past four years. As a kid who grew up here in Richmond and then Virginia Beach, serving as your Governor has been the honor of a lifetime, and as this chapter soon comes to an end, I am grateful to each person who has helped us deliver so much good for Virginia.”
“Art provides an opportunity to chronicle history and reflect stories in ways that words simply cannot,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Governors’ portraits tell the story of our Commonwealth’s leaders, and talented Virginia artist, Jonathan Linton, captured this moment in time perfectly – preserving Glenn’s legacy for future generations.”
“The historic Virginia State Capitol is a very special place that exudes history. There are so many remarkable and fascinating spaces to see, exhibits to experience as well as statues and portraits upon which to reflect and learn. All combined they help mark our ongoing experiment in representative self-government. Today’s latest addition to the Capitol Collection, part of a rich tradition dating back to 1938, reminds us anew that Virginia history continues to advance in new and exciting ways forward,” said Clerk of the Senate of Virginia Susan Clarke Schaar and Clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates and Keeper of the Rolls of the Commonwealth G. Paul Nardo.
“Working with the Governor and the First Lady and their team on this project was an honor, and the best kind of adventure,” said Portrait Artist Jonathan Linton. “I hope those who view this portrait will sense not only the contemporary and historical importance of the role he filled, but also the values and energy he brought to it.”
