The painting as is displayed on a cover of the Wisconsin Magazine of History.

Quite a remarkable man Governor Lucius Fairchild. He was a three term Wisconsin Governor (1866-72),  A decorated civil war hero at Gettysburg were he was severely wounded during the famous Pickett's charge; his arm was amputated and he was subsequently taken prisoner and paroled. He was commissioned brigadier-general. He served as U.S. consul at Liverpool, England, 1873-78; U.S. consul-general at Paris, France. 1878-80, and U.S. minister and  envoy plenipotentiary to Spain, 1880-81.

When the State of Wisconsin wanted to give him a portrait, it was through his brother Mr. Charles Fairchild (whom Sargent had painted his wife that year) that Sargent was chosen as the artist to do the portrait.

Note:
 

• See the year in review 1887
• See also Sally Fairchild with Blue Veil