Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2009.9 |
Object Name |
Painting |
Title |
Portrait of Owen J. Roberts |
Artist |
C. Gregory Stapko |
Date |
after 1941 |
Description |
Three-quarter length portrait of seated figure with ruddy complexion and short grey hair, facing forward. Figure wears black judges robes, slightly opened with a grey vest, white shirt, and black and white tie underneath and has hands folded in lap. Inscribed on reverse of canvas: "Copy by Stapko/from original/in the Supreme Court/after/A. Jonniaux." |
Label |
Owen Josephus Roberts was a Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and member of the APS. Born in Philadelphia in 1875, he studied law at the University of Pennsylvania and soon distinguished himself as a lawyer, district attorney, and professor of law. He became a member of the Supreme Court of the United States in 1930 and sat on the court for fifteen years. In 1941, he served as Chairman of a Commission of Five charged with investigating and reporting information related to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Roberts became President of the APS in 1952 and died in 1955. The original portrait, hanging on the Lower Great Hall of the Supreme Court, was executed by Belgian-born artist Alfred Jonniaux. The copy in the possession of the APS was executed by C. Gregory Stapko, a portrait painter and copyist of famous works in significant buildings, including the White House and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. |
Medium |
Oil on canvas |
Dimensions |
H-46.25 W-38.5 inches |
Dimension Details |
Framed |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society |
Search Terms |
20th century twentieth century painting judge |