An important element of the Collection is represented by its over 200 portraits.

Acquired from the 1880s on, this body of work records notable political figures from Ontario's past and includes its premiers, lieutenant governors and speakers. It is the only area of the collection for which new works have continued to be commissioned to the present day.

Prior to the establishment of this tradition, a significant number of earlier portraits were commissioned retroactively by the Hon. John Beverley Robinson, Ontario's Lieutenant Governor from 1880 to 1887.

Beginning his project in the year of his installation, Robinson set out to acquire portraits of his predecessors.

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Colonel John Graves Simcoe, [ca. 1881]
Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, 1791-96
George Theodore Berthon (1806-1892)
Oil on canvas
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 694156

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Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, K. B., [ca. 1883]
President and Administrator of Upper Canada, 1811-12
George Theodore Berthon (1806-1892)
Oil on canvas
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 694158

Starting with that of Colonel John Graves Simcoe, he went on to commission a further twenty-one portraits. Many of these were painted by the fashionable society artist, George Theodore Berthon.

These works, including the artist's portrait of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, K. B. can be seen hanging along the dining room walls of the Lieutenant Governor's official residence, Government House (1867-1912) which stood at King and Simcoe streets.

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"View of the Dining Room at
Government House (1867-1912)
Pringle and Booth
Reference Code: F 1174
Archives of Ontario, I0008596

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The Honourable Sir John A. Macdonald, 1894
Bronze Statue
Photographer: Andrew McKim
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 632703

While most of the portraits are traditional works on canvas there are also a number of sculptural monuments commemorating figures such as Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir Oliver Mowat and Queen Victoria, located in and around the grounds of the Legislative Building.

The imposing bronze statue of Sir John A. Macdonald which looks south down University Avenue was unveiled with much fanfare and ceremony on October 13th, 1894 by Sir John Thompson, Prime Minister of Canada. Securely anchored to its granite base, the total statue stands over twenty feet tall and depicts Canada's first Prime Minister in full oratorial discourse!

Although it is customary for the subject to be painted on leaving office, this can sometimes take years to co-ordinate. The portrait of David Peterson by Linda Kooluris Dobbs for example, was only officially unveiled in February of 2000, ten years after Mr. Peterson's departure from Queen's Park.

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Portrait of The Honourable David R. Peterson, 1998
Linda Kooluris Dobbs (b. 1949)
Acrylic on canvas
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 100095

Bob Rae’s official portrait was also unveiled and installed in 2000.

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Portrait of The Honourable Robert Keith Rae, 1998
Phil Richards (b. 1951)
Acrylic on canvas over board
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 100094

The most recently commissioned portrait is that of Hilary Weston, Ontario’s 26th Lieutenant Governor. Painted by Brenda Bury, the portrait was officially unveiled at a ceremony at Queen’s Park on November 22, 2004.

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Portrait of The Honourable Hilary M. Weston, 2002
Brenda Bury (b. 1932)
Oil on canvas
Government of Ontario Art Collection, 100221