Senate Art Committee selects Elizabeth Freeman for bust, endorses portrait of Doris Bunte

The Senate Art Committee voted unanimously March 19 to recommend placing a bust of Elizabeth Freeman in an alcove of the Senate chamber and to endorse efforts to place a Statehouse portrait of former state representative Doris Bunte.

The recommendation, made by Senator Fox and seconded by Linda Hartigan, followed a deliberation of a ranked top-10 list drawn from more than 300 nominations. Committee members discussed historical significance, connection to Massachusetts, diversity, symbolism and recognition when weighing nominees. The motion passed by roll call with all voting members present recording “yes.” The committee chair called the result “very unanimous” and said the outcome was “very exciting.”

Why it matters: The committee is charged with advising on artworks that represent Massachusetts history under the Golden Dome. A bust in the Senate chamber is a high-visibility placement intended to join the statuary and portraits that decorate the Statehouse; a decision to recommend Elizabeth…