History:The artist's signature is in lower left corner of the portrait. The subject is wearing academic robes and a green tie. The hood is burgundy and he is holding a cap in his hands. The subject has gray hair. The frame is wooden and painted gold. There are scratches on the frame.The portrait was presented to the State of TN at the State Library by his descendents in 1943.
Notes:Philander Priestly Claxton was born in Bedford County, TN in 1862. He was educated at the University of TN and studied at John Hopkins 1884-1885. Among his many positions, he was the U.S. Commissioner of Education (1911-1921), Superintendent of Schools in Tulsa, OK (1923-1929), and President of Austin Peay College (1932-1946).
