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News  George Washington Bust on Display in Governor’s Reception Room

7/13/2026
  • State House Art Commission
Marble bust of George Washington on a white and black pedestal

Governor Healey has accepted the generous loan of a marble bust of George Washington from the Bunker Hill Monument Association for display in the reception room.   The sculpture is likely one of many versions modeled by New England sculptor Hiram Powers, ca. 1840-45, after a well-known original likeness of the president by Jean-Antoine Houdon.  It has recently been cleaned and conserved by the Caproni Studio with funding from the George B. Henderson Foundation and installed on its original Victorian-era column pedestal.

The bust will be on display in the Governor’s Reception Room for one year.  We thank the trustees for helping us celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the loan of this important artwork.

  • State House Art Commission

    The State House Art Commission was created in 1910 to oversee and advise on the Commonwealth's art and artifact collections at the Massachusetts state capitol. Charged under M. G. L. ch. 6, sec. 20 with "custody and care," we set policy and direct all programs for conservation and display to ensure their continued preservation, and advise on the restoration and preservation of the historic State House in which they are housed.

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