The Washington Family

Washington and His Family,
Edward Savage (After),
John Sartain (Maker),
Willian Smith (Publi ...

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Status

Not on view

Date1845-1855

After Edward Savage (American, 1761 - 1817)

Engraver John Sartain (English-American, 1808 - 1897)

Publisher William Smith (American, 1813 - 1848)

Subject George Washington (American, 1732 - 1799)

Subject Martha Washington (American, 1731 - 1802)

Subject George Washington Parke Custis (American, 1781 - 1857)

Subject Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis (American, 1779 - 1852)

Subject William Lee (American, 1772 - 1840)

Geography Made - United States

Medium/TechniqueInk on paper; mezzotint, line engraving.

DimensionsImage (H x W): 16 3/8 in. × 23 7/8 in. (41.59 cm × 60.64 cm) Plate (H x W): 20 1/2 in. x 27 1/2 in. (52.07 cm x 69.85 cm) Overall (H x W): 21 1/16 in. × 28 in. (53.5 cm × 71.12 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley DeForest Scott, 1985

Object numberSC-168

DescriptionThis is a group portrait of the Washington family, set indoors with a view of a river in the background. George and Martha Washington sit at a table, with a plan of the city of Washington D.C. laid out before them. Washington holds a sword and Martha a fan, both resting on the table. George Washington Parke Custis is resting his hand on a globe, and Washington is resting his arm on the boy. Nelly Custis is standing behind Martha to her right, and William Lee is standing behind Martha on the right. The backgorund is framed with columns and a curtain drawn back to reveal a view of the Potomac River, with a ship visible on it.

Published ReferencesCharles Henry Hart, Catalogue of the Engraved Portraits of Washington, (New York: Grolier Club, 1904), 111.

MarkingsPrinted below image on left in italic script: "Painted by Edward Savage". Printed below image on the left side: "Geo.Washn. Parke Custis. Genl. Geo. Washington. Printed below image centered in italic script: "Published by Wm. Smith, 106 South 3d. St. Philada.". Printed below image on the right side: "Eleanor Park Custis. Martha Washington. William Lee." Printed below image on right in italic script: "Engraved by J. Sartain."

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