History:This is a full study with the subject dressed in an officer's uniform from the Mexican War period. The subject is seated on a red velvet settee. His left hand is resting on a sheathed sword. His right arm is resting on a draped table to his right. Also resting on the table is the subject's black chapeau which has a black and white plume on the top. The painting has been relined and shows evidence of tear repairs done at the time of relining. This portrait hung in the home of Mrs. Aaron V. Brown and her daughter Miss Sanders. It was presented to the state in 1909 in the presence of Mexican War veterans, family and friends.
Notes:General Gideon Johnson Pillow (1806-1878) was born in WIlliamson County, TN and educated at the University of Nashville. He practiced law in Columbia, TN and became a Brigadier General of the Tennessee Volunteers in the Mexican War. He was a Major General in the Confederate Army. He was one of the 3 generals at Fort Donelson. He did not surrender, but with a portion of his staff crossed the Cumberland river and escaped. He died in Lee County, Arkansas.
Categories:Portrait paintings; Generals; Mexican War; Civil War; Fort Donelson; Men.
