First portrait of a woman unveiled in the Virginia House of Delegates

RICHMOND, Va. — On Wednesday, a portrait of Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn, 56th Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, was unveiled. It marks the first time a portrait of a woman will be shown in the legislature's 404-year history.

“This portrait represents thousands of women and others who were told they didn’t look the part or have the right background, faith, skin color, gender identity or sexual orientation to be where they deserve to be. Today in the Virginia House of Delegates, we say you belong. My portrait might be the first, but I know there will be many more to follow,” said Filler-Corn.

Back in January 2020, Filler-Corn became the first woman and first person of the Jewish faith to be sworn in as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. 

During her tenure, officials say the House made record investments in public education and transportation. It also worked to support working families, expand reproductive freedoms, root out discrimination, and protect the environment.

United States Senator Tim Kaine spoke highly of the former speaker, 

“I have not known a Speaker in my 40 years in Virginia who has had an impact on the quality of life in the Commonwealth that you have had.”

At the beginning of March, Delegate Filler-Corn announced she would not be seeking re-election to the House of Delegates in 2023. 

Officials say internationally acclaimed realist artist Kathy Morris was picked to complete the official portrait that will hang in the House of Delegates chamber for years to come.

Morris's portraits have been previously featured in International Artist Magazine, Western Art and Architecture, The Best of Drawing Magazine, Artists Magazine and more. 

As per tradition, the portrait will be displayed to the left of the dais. The chamber currently displays the two most recent Speakers’ portraits behind the dais with additional portraits hung along the west wall and outside the entrance to the chamber.

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