George Washington

Status

On view

Label Text

A variation on Gilbert Stuart’s iconic 1796 “Lansdowne” portrait, this mezzotint portrays George Washington in the black velvet suit he commonly wore during his presidency. Washington holds his dress sword in his left hand, symbolizing his military service, while his right hand rests on a book on the table, signifying his republican leadership. Produced more than 50 years after Washington’s death, this print embodies the ongoing American interest in Washington’s image and legacy.

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Date1852

Engraver Alexander Hay Ritchie (Scottish-American, 1822 - 1895)

After Peter Frederick Rothermel (American, 1817 - 1895)

After Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755 - 1828)

Publisher William Pate (American, active c.1849 - 1865)

Geography Made - United States

Medium/TechniqueInk on paper; mezzotint

Credit LineGift of Elizabeth W. Holdsworth, Vice Regent for New Jersey, 2017

Object numberM-5516

DescriptionVertically oriented rectangular composition depicting full length standing figure of George Washington. The composition is a loose adaptation of Gilbert Stuart’s “Lansdowne” portrait, incorporating the face from the artist’s “Athenaeum” portrait. Washington faces slightly to his right and is dressed in a black coat, waistcoat, and breeches, with white shirt, stock, shirt ruffle, and sleeve ruffles; black hose and black shoes with silver buckles. His left hand is at his side, holding a dress sword in a dark sheath; his right hand is outstretched and resting on a book, which stands on a table at his right. His feet are apart, with his right foot slightly to the front. To his right is a table covered by a cloth that is folded up to show a cabriole leg, pad foot, and leaf carved knee. On top of the table are five books and a dark hat; below it are four books, untidily arranged. To Washington’s left and slightly behind him is an upholstered armless chair (backstool) with a US seal in the center of the carved crest rail, a scalloped upholstery skirt, and spiral carved legs with claw feet. The floor is made up of square stone tiles and the background includes two large columns, an arched door opening, and drapery in the upper corners. Below the image are the words: “Published by William Pate 58 & 60 Fulton St New York / Go Washington”.

Hart 668c.

MarkingsBelow the image are the words: “Published by William Pate 58 & 60 Fulton St New York / Go Washington”.

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