RICHMOND, VA. (AP).- Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has learned that a painting hanging in his temporary home was done by a famous 19th century artist. The Virginia Executive Mansion and the Library of Virginia announced Wednesday that the painting was confirmed to have been done by George Caleb Bingham, Missouri's first artist. The George Caleb Bingham Catalogue Raisonne Supplement of Paintings & Drawings recently confirmed the authentication.

The painting is commonly referred to as "Portrait of A Boy and His Dog." It depicts Colin Dunlop, a man who was born in Petersburg in 1836 and was killed in battle during the Civil War in 1864.

The portrait was given to Virginia's Executive Mansion by the estate of Martha Spottswood of Petersburg in 1977.


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