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Sacred to Patriotism

Sacred to Patriotism
Sacred to Patriotism
Sacred to Patriotism
Status
Not on view
Label Text

"Sir, The last Post only, brought me…your polite & obliging favor of the 27th Ulto accompanied with two proof Prints elegantly executed (one on Sattin) engraved from your emblematical Picture, designed to perpetuate the idea of the American Revolution. For this instance of your kind attention to me, I pray you to accept my grateful acknowledgements. And was not the late President of the United States a conspicuous character in the Piece I might say more than would now become me of the fruitfulness of the Design." - George Washington to Dr. Charles Buxton, Mount Vernon, May 30, 1799

New York physician Charles Buxton designed this complex symbolic print to honor George Washington's patriotic leadership as Commander in Chief and first President of the United States. Buxton's design centers on the general, who stands atop the pedestal in New York's Bowling Green that held King George III's statue prior the Revolution. In his right hand, Washington offers the viewer a copy of his Farewell Address. The departing ships in the right distance reference the British evacuation from New York on November 25, 1783.

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Date1798
Engraver (American, 1773 - 1832)
After (American, 1768 - 1833)
After (American, c.1761 - 1820)
After (American, 1755 - 1828)
Publisher (American)
Geography Published - United States
Medium/TechniqueInk on silk
DimensionsOverall (H x W ): 28 1/8 in. × 23 1/4 in. (71.44 cm × 59.06 cm)
Credit LinePurchase, 1981
Object numberW-2796
DescriptionPortrait of George Washington showing the subject in uniform, standing on what looks like an altar with a drum, cannon, hunting horn, flags, pikes, globe, cornucopia, and ship at his feet. The altar is inscribed with Washington's name and before it is another altar inscribed "SACRED TO PATRIOTISM," surmounted by an urn. Through a large window-like opening behind Washington is a harbor scene with ships, rowboats, soldiers, fortifications, and a graveyard. Above the window is an arch, underneath which is an eagle plying amidst clouds, holding a ribbon marked "E PLU UNUM." and listing sixteen states in its beak. On either side of the subject are a column draped in garlands and an obelisk with the carved figures and names of "LIBERTY." and "INDEPENDENCE."
Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.
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