Robert L. Caruthers

National Society of Colonial Dames of
America in Tennessee

Cumberland University - Lebanon, Tennessee
		Portrait #1474
Subject/Title:	Caruthers, Robert L.
Artist:	Unknown
Date Created:	unknown
Owner/Location:	Cumberland University One Cumberland Square Lebanon, TN, 37087-3408 Web Contact: Cumberland University
Frame Dimensions:	112 x 76
Image Dimensions:	92 x 58
Materials/Media:	Oil on canvas
Date Documented:	9 June 2008
Condition:	Fair

Description:	The subject is standing between a table covered with books and a red-upholstered chair. The portrait is full-length with the subject wearing what appears to be a dark morning-coat and trousers over a white shirt with small black bow tie. He is nearly bald, and what hair is visible is white. His right hand hangs relaxed by his side and his left arm rests on the back of the chair. He has a rolled, open paper in his left hand. There appears to be a tear in the upper left corner of the painting in one of a pair of red draperies framing the whole image.
History of Work:	On display in Cumberland University's Memorial Hall
Notes:	Robert L. Caruthers was among the founders of Cumberland University. He served as president of the University’s Board of Trust from 1842-1882 and as a professor of law at Cumberland from 1868-1882. He was a member of the Congress of the United States and the Congress of the Confederate States. He also served as a member of Tennessee’s Supreme Court and was a governor of the Volunteer State.