Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn unveiled his official portrait at a ceremony Monday in the Illinois State Capitol, revealing images that will bring unprecedented diversity, cutting-edge technology, and a new focus on civics education to the historic Hall of Governors.
“As we look at all these portraits of men who were elected to lead the State of Illinois, it’s important to remember all the women and men whose votes brought them into office,” Quinn said during the unveiling ceremony. “With this latest portrait, we hope to remind visitors that, in a democracy, the highest office is the office of citizen, and that all of us have a responsibility to participate in our government.”
The portrait, painted by renowned Illinois artist William T. Chambers, depicts Quinn standing before a background that features 44 interactive “found items” representing people, issues, and events from Governor Quinn’s long career in public service.
Most notably, the background includes a photograph of Quinn signing a bill that put an advisory referendum on the November 2014 ballot, asking voters whether the state’s minimum wage should be increased. In the photograph, Quinn is surrounded by a diverse group of supporters. This ‘portrait in a portrait’ depicts the first images of people of color ever included in the Hall of Governors.
“When people look at this portrait, we want to remind them that every person in the Land of Lincoln has the right to stand up, speak out, and start taking action to improve our government and change the world,” Quinn said.
A few of the “found items” in the portrait are deeply personal, such as the wedding day photograph of his parents, Eileen and Patrick J. Quinn, and photographs of his brothers, Tom and John, and his sons, Patrick and David.
But the majority of items relate to Quinn’s achievements in public life, including his passage of the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! Program, his advocacy for Illinois military families, his expansion of the Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit, his leadership in expanding healthcare coverage, and his signing of the Marriage Equality bill.
“We hope this interactive portrait will educate and activate visitors to learn about civics, pursue careers in public service, and support the causes they believe in,” Quinn said. “When you understand your rights as a citizen and learn about the history of your state and your nation, you have all the tools you need to make the will of the people the law of the land.”
The portrait also includes a link to a Bible verse, Isaiah 6:8: “I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”
“For me, that brief verse sums up the whole spirit of public service and democracy,” Quinn said. “Democracy isn’t about standing around and waiting for someone else to take action. It’s about hearing that call to service and responding swiftly and eagerly, with everything you have in your heart.”
In addition to unveiling the formal portrait, Quinn also announced the creation of the GovernorQuinnPortrait.org website. By clicking on the found items in a high-resolution digital image of the portrait, website visitors can follow links to historical documents, videos, and other information about the issues the items represent.
Another way to experience the interactive nature of the portrait is to download the Thyng app on a smartphone or tablet. Using the app to view and scan the found items brings the portrait to life, displaying video associated with the item.
The painting was paid for with private donations.
- OneMan - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:50 pm:
Quality of art wise, I would give it an A, easy…
I didn’t realize that these painting were so much about ‘here is what I think my legacy is’, I do kind of wish the artist has snuck in a Blago reference somewhere…
- Just Me - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:52 pm:
I appreciate the addition of technology to learn more about the Governor and his work. That is a really cool feature.
- the 647 - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:53 pm:
I threw up in my mouth a little when I saw the picture of Lincoln in the background because it reminded me that he uses the phrase “Land of Lincoln” in every speech I ever heard him give. Other than that it is a nice portrait.
- DuPage Bard - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:54 pm:
It would have been nice to have a business card holder on the desk with the crossed out Lieutenant, since he didn’t want to buy new Governor cards until he used up all his old ones.
- Donnie Elgin - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:56 pm:
Is that a clout list from MJM asking for IDOT jobs on his desk ?
- Oswego Willy - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:57 pm:
Solid A, all aspects, all measures.
It’s a portrait, and the symbols contained in it, a reflection of the Quinn persona, and while some may not like the minimum wage nod, just to point out a single bit, it is part of the Quinn persona and legacy for the person seeing the art to judge.
I like it.
- Michelle Flaherty - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:57 pm:
Disappointed there’s no super 8 discount card or squeezy the python.
- Anon - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:58 pm:
Beautifully done and an interesting idea, but disappointed that his notecards didn’t make the cut
- Grand Avenue - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 1:59 pm:
He looks like Homer Simpson
- Dan Johnson - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:00 pm:
I think it’s really cool.
- Pierce - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:01 pm:
Isaiah 6:8 is referenced on one of the book spines in the background. In case you are wondering, the passage reads:
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.”
What does this mean? Does Quinn think he was the answer to our prayers . . . ?
- Commander Norton - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:03 pm:
It is a very good likeness of him and a quality painting. I get what he was going for… although the idea that we need to “sneak” images of women and people of color into the Hall of Governors feels patronizing to me, even though I’m sure he means well. Just speaking for myself, I’d be willing to wait (not too long, I hope) to win the position. But that’s just me.
- Saluki - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:04 pm:
The bible in his hand has the Corinthians Love verse on the spine.
- AlfondoGonz - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:04 pm:
Better than the rendering of Tom Brady?
- Curt - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:06 pm:
Well done. Beautiful sentiment and execution! There is a lot of good in Pat Quinn — and I’m not saying that just in contrast with Bruce Rauner. He is a good guy who cares about everyday people.
- Soccermom - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:06 pm:
Anon, I think you’ll find the white slips may be featured…
Pierce, that line from Isaiah has inspired generations of people to stand up and respond to the call — of God, of duty, of conscience, of country, whatever speaks to you. It is a verse that reminds all of us that we have the choice to raise our hands, to stand up and be counted.
But if you want to be snarky about Isaiah, you be you.
- DeseDemDose - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:06 pm:
Why was Quinn overly harassed by AFSCME and blow up Rat? Dress up Barbie day Rauner continues his charade with minimal protests by AFSCME and the Rat…hmmm.
- Soccermom - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:07 pm:
And 647, the reference to the Land of Lincoln may have reflected a bit of gentle teasing…
- Board Chairman - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:07 pm:
Interesting titles in his library. The eyes are painted too close together, and he’s got a bit of a s*#@ eating grin on his face. But I like it.
- Collinsville Kevin - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:07 pm:
Looks a little less like Bozo the Clown than he did when he was in office. Pretty picture doesn’t make up for his colossal incompetence as governor though.
- Soccermom - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:08 pm:
Commander, your point is well taken. But I think it was commendable for Governor Quinn to use this opportunity to remind all of us that the real power in our democracy lies within us, as citizens.
- Ward Heeler - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:16 pm:
Way too busy.
Cannot top the portrait of George H. Ryan literally treating the State Capitol as his own personal candy or cookie jar.
- Jose Abreu's last homer - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:18 pm:
Where’s his White Sox hat?
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:19 pm:
Whatever. Seems like a little too much hubris on display for my liking, but your mileage may vary.
- And...... - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:19 pm:
The lucky purple tie made it!
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:20 pm:
It is a nice portrait. I would have liked a picture behind him of a horse drinking whiskey. Wasn’t that one of his sayings? think of the confusion of the tourists in the capitol looking at that!
- Henry Francis - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:20 pm:
I like it. It is sooo PQ.
But it is too slimming, both in the size of his head and body.
- Porgy Tirebiter - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:21 pm:
A very nice portrait of a nice man. But too nice to be governor of this state in the shape it was in when he got there
- Jake From Elwood - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:21 pm:
I was hoping that PQ would commission the sculptor who made the Cristiano Ronaldo bust or the painter who “restored” the Ecco Homo fresco in Spain.
Not so, PQ looks sharp here.
Surprised that there is no White Sox logo in the background.
- Tommydanger - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:25 pm:
Soccermom, welcome back. I/We’ve missed you.
As to the painting, Quinn the frenetic personality will always be the one I call to mind when thinking of the former governor. The more stoic representation in the painting, could only have been achieved by placing his feet in concrete at the time it was done.
- Anonymous - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:27 pm:
“Does Quinn think he was the answer to our prayers . . . ?”
Well, he was “put on earth” to fix pensions.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:30 pm:
Also he snuck his well worn cliche “highest office is citizen” into the press release.
- Soccermom - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:30 pm:
Jake you need to look closer. I believe there is a baseball in there, and I don’t think it’s from a Cubs game…
- Soccermom - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:32 pm:
Yeah, Ron, take that beef to Felix Frankfurter.
- Ron Burgundy - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:38 pm:
Oh I don’t take issue with the good Justice for coining it, I take issue with it being beaten to death.
- Responsa - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:38 pm:
Actually, I think it’s a very nice portrait which makes him look like a movie-cast governor. Realistic? Not so much. Never did I ever see him in person or a photo of him where he has looked this “put together”. And where is his trademark purple tie?
- Over It! - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:44 pm:
Like it
- filmmaker prof - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:53 pm:
he looks a little cross eyed to me. why not use this new invention called a photograph. the reason they started painting portraits is because there were no photos back in the day!
- Curt - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:54 pm:
That was a very nice press conference…from Quentin Young to raise the wage workers to gold star families, Quinn’s work and life have been deeply intertwined with community members.
It’s a vastly different political world than the one we have entered.
- A Jack - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 2:59 pm:
He should be holding “Betsy”. Or maybe Squeezee.
- ILPundit - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:00 pm:
Gov. Quinn’s Official Portrait shows the very same clear-eyed, laser like focus as that of his administration
- Grandpa - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:01 pm:
The artist did a great job, I like all the references to Quinn’s history in the portrait. Pat was a frustrating Governor at times, but I always felt he was basically a good person. I enjoyed the ceremony.
- Boone's is back - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:02 pm:
When I first heard it would be “unusual” I wasn’t sure what to expect from PQ. I actually really like what he did and think it’s classy.
- Keyser Soze - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:03 pm:
He appears to have lost some weight.
- Ok - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:04 pm:
Desk is too clean.
- Soccermom - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:04 pm:
Henry Francis he us standing in front of the portrait right now and he looks about the same size. Apparently he us a lot healthier these days
- Anonymous - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:13 pm:
Responsa, the tie is indeed there.
- A Modest Proposal - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:28 pm:
–Responsa, the tie is indeed there.—
took me a second to find it, but yes, it is there
- WTF - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 3:58 pm:
It’s pretty good, though his face looks to me like 80 percent PQ and 20 percent John Malkovitch.
- Whatever - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 4:01 pm:
Good job all around, but I think Isaiah 6:5 would be more appropriate.
- WhoKnew - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 4:27 pm:
The shadow on the right side of his face reminds me of the “Day and Night” quote & I don’t see a Soy Bean field anywhere!
But, I have to say, he is a good man who I think gave it an honest effort!
- Mouthy - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 4:32 pm:
Well, at least his suit isn’t in jailhouse stripes so that’s at least a plus for his portrait..
- lake county democrat - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 4:57 pm:
Kudos to the artist: you’d never guess the subject was the opposite of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” - a great reformer selling out in a faustian bargain for power.
- Ahoy! - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 5:02 pm:
It’s a good portrait.
- Horst Cabal - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 5:18 pm:
A nice portrait of someone. It doesn’t resemble Governor Quinn: wrong jaw, different eyes, the mouth is off as well. But, flattering, and in a few years, will become how he is remembered, which probably is the idea anyway.
- wordslinger - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 5:21 pm:
He’s a good man, an Irish Catholic kid from the neighborhood who didn’t take no stuff, who didn’t take no money, and made the best of it in a world of cheap hustlers.
The new guy, Rauner, is old-school hustler. He dropped millions in pay to play when he was hustling government business on plenty of Dems and Republicans, including Daley, Emanuel, Claypool and Cross.
So who’s the “reformer?”
Rauner is the biggest behind-the-scenes, pay-to-play corrupter alive
- burbanite - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 6:30 pm:
thumbs up!
- Anonymous - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 8:27 pm:
It’s missing his favorite quote - “make the will of the people the law of the land.”
- Last Bull Moose - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 9:28 pm:
The pose looks like a disengaged Quinn, something I never saw. He was always engaged with the people around him.
At the event it struck me how many people feel a personal connection to him. I and my family do, but there are hundreds more.
- Arthur Andersen - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 10:40 pm:
Never a fave of PQ, but a fine, distinctive picture. I’m assuming that he was awarded an honorary Gold Star on behalf of his devotion to our fallen veterans, something for which I always admired him. Otherwise, not really appropriate…
- Midway Gardens - Monday, May 8, 17 @ 11:54 pm:
The baseball is in a holder labeled 2005. Wonder who won the WS that year.
- Moist von Lipwig - Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 12:13 am:
@Pierce - if you go to the website, governorquinnportrait.org, it says it’s about honoring volunteers like in natural disasters
- How nice - Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 1:02 am:
How did he get his high school pic on this pwinting?
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 7:43 am:
Good man, good artist, but a message by committee.
- Last Bull Moose - Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 7:50 am:
AA, don’t think there are honorary Gold Star awards. The use of the symbol is fine with me. Can’t speak for the other Gold Star families.
- @misterjayem - Tuesday, May 9, 17 @ 11:08 am:
No subtle reference to Article VIII Section 2(a))?
Admirable restraint.
– MrJM