The Honorable Armond Budish, Former Speaker of the House, Ohio State House, Columbus, Ohio 2017

This is a portrait of The Honorable Armond Budish, painted by Daniel Greene, and it commemorates Budish's time as Speaker of the House in the Ohio State House. Such portraits serve a clear institutional function. They offer a visual means of celebrating and legitimizing the authority of political figures. Painted in a naturalistic style, the portrait leans heavily on established conventions. The formal attire, the somber expression, and the careful attention to detail signal the importance of the subject. This echoes the tradition of official portraiture, reinforcing the dignity of the office. Understanding the social and institutional role of art like this requires us to look beyond its surface. We might consider the history of portraiture in political settings, the symbolism of particular poses and clothing, and the ways in which these images shape public perception. This is where historical research becomes essential in interpreting the full meaning of the work.