Last week, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Marketing and Redistribution Division’s website (arstatesurplus.com) was hawking a “Framed and Matted Portrait of a Distinguished Man,” with this description: “Up for bid is a framed and matted portrait of a distinguished man … The frame is wood with an intricately carved design and gold finish. The center piece of this item is a stunning head and bust photo of a white male. The mans’ [sic] attire suggests a prominent status, with a bold yet subtle crimson tie draped effortlessly from his stark white dress shirt. Perhaps he is the God Zeus with a cleanly shaven face. Whomever this alpha-male is and from wince [sic] he came may always be a mystery, but one thing is for sure, the gorgeous wooden sarcophagus for which he is forever entombed will certainly promote peace in even the humblest of dwellings.”

The mystery “alpha male”? Disgraced former Land Commissioner Mark Wilcox, infamous for kicking into gear the state car scandal last year. Several hours after we posted an item on the Arkansas Blog about the portrait, it was removed from the web page.

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article The view from afar Next article Browning’s Mexican Grill finally open