His Excellency George Washington Esquire

Status

Not on view

Date1780-1800

Subject George Washington (American, 1732 - 1799)

Medium/TechniqueInk and watercolor on paper; hand applied pigments, etching.

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 14 1/4 in. × 12 3/16 in. (36.2 cm × 30.96 cm) Other (Image H x W): 11 1/2 in. × 11 5/8 in. (29.21 cm × 29.53 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Wilmarth Lewis in memory of her aunt, Annie Burr Jennings, Vice Regent for Connecticut, 1939

Object numberM-1087/Q

DescriptionThis print is an equestrian portrait of George Washington mounted on a rearing horse with a saddle with yellow trim. He is wearing a blue coat with a red and white striped waistcoat beneath and a tricorn hat. In his left hand he graps the reins, and in his right he holds a sword extended. In the background on the left can be seen tents, and in the middle of the background can be seen marching soldiers with muskets. Surrounding the portrait is a circular garland of laurels.
Published ReferencesCharles Henry Hart, Catalogue of the Engraved Portraits of Washington, (New York: Grolier Club of the City of New York, 1904), 307.

Wick, Wendy C., "George Washington: An American Icon" (Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution) 1982, pp. 164-5.

MarkingsPrinted around portrait in block script: "His Excellency George Washington Esqr. Commander in Chief of the American Armies. - The Protector of his Country, The Supporter of Liberty, and the Benefactor of Mankind. * May his name never be forgotten. * ".

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