Vintage view of the Senate Chamber, The Texas Capitol, May 1990. The Senate makes up half of the legislative branch, which formulates the laws of Texas. The Senate Chamber on the second floor of the east wing still contains the original walnut desks and podium purchased in 1888 for the Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of the Senate and 31 senators. The two beautiful central brass chandeliers date from around 1890. The number of senators has remained unchanged since the opening of this building. The chamber includes an impressive collection of historical Texas paintings, fifteen of which hung in the room before 1915. A portrait of Stephen F. Austin by an unknown artist behind the Lieutenant Governor's desk dates from c. 1836, making it one of the oldest pieces in the Capitol.