American Star
DateFebruary 30, 1812
Maker
Thomas Gimbrede
(1781-1832)
Printer
Andrew Maverick
Publisher
Thomas Gimbrede
(1781-1832)
Medium/TechniqueInk on paper, stipple engraving
DimensionsOverall (H x W): 11 7/16 in. x 14 in. (29.05 cm x 35.56 cm)
Other (Plate H x W): 8 7/8 in. x 10 7/8 in. (22.54 cm x 27.62 cm)
Other (Image H x W): 8 1/2 in. x 10 1/2 in. (21.59 cm x 26.67 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley DeForest Scott, 1985
Object numberSC-99
DescriptionImage of four oval portraits of the first four presidents of the United States. At the top is a portrait of George Washington in military uniform with a high collar, three-star epaulets, wide lapels, and his hair tied back with a ribbon. Below, from left to right, are Jefferson, Madison, and Adams. A drapery is swagged at top and falls behind the portraits and forms cascades at their sides, with a tassel visible on each side as well. The portrait of Washington is framed with a branch of laurels on the right and a branch of oak on the left, while underneath the portrait are four unfurled flags. The flag on the left has the seal of the United States on it, while the one on the right has a wreath of laurels. The pattern of the other two flags is not visible. Above the portrait of Washington is a five pointed star with thirteen smaller stars within it.Baker 231, Hart 794
Published ReferencesCharles Henry Hart and Samuel Arlent Edwards, Catalogue of the Engraved Portraits of Washington (New York: Grolier Club of the City of New York, 1904), 336.
William Spohn Baker, The Engraved Portraits of Washington with Notices of the Originals and Brief Biographical Sketches of the Painters (Philadelphia: Lindsay & Baker, 1880), 131.
MarkingsPrinted above image centered in block script: "American Star."
Printed below image on left in italic script: "copy Right secured./printed by Andw. Maverick."
Printed below portraits centered in block script: "Thomas Jefferson James Madison John Adams".
Printed below and curving around right side of image in italic script: N. York Design'd. Engrav'd & Publish'd by Thos. Gimbrede Jany. 30th 1812".
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c. 1876
c. 1870
1822
1792-1799
c. 1802-1812