Washington as a Mason

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Datec. 1860

Engraver Adam B. Walter (American, 1820 - 1875)

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

After Peter Frederick Rothermel (American, 1817 - 1895)

After Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755 - 1828)

Publisher John Dainty (American, active c.1845 - 1865)

Medium/TechniqueInk on paper; engraving

DimensionsOverall (sight): 9 3/8 in. × 7 3/8 in. (23.81 cm × 18.73 cm) Overall (print reverse in frame): 9 3/4 in. × 7 7/8 in. × 1/16 in. (24.77 cm × 20 cm × 0.16 cm) Overall (framed): 14 in. × 11 7/8 in. × 2 in. (35.56 cm × 30.16 cm × 5.08 cm)

Credit LineGift of Ann Wilson, 2017

Object numberM-5544

DescriptionVertically oriented oval composition depicting full length standing figure of George Washington wearing a Masonic collar, jewel, and apron. He is dressed in a three piece black suit with white shirt, stock, and sleeve ruffles; black hose and black shoes with silver buckles. His right hand is outstretched and resting on a book, titled “ANCIENT / MASONIC / CONSTITUTIONS”, which stands on a table at his right. His feet are apart, with his right foot slightly to the front. The table covered by a cloth that is folded up to show a cabriole leg, pad foot, and leaf carved knee. To Washington’s left is a short column and an upholstered armless chair (back stool) with a carved crest rail ornamented with a Masonic emblem of sun, compass, and square atop an oval cartouche surrounding the letter “G”, 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 a drapery tassel. The figure is after Gilbert Stuart’s “Lansdowne” portrait of Washington, and the composition is adapted from Alexander Hay Ritchie’s engraving after Peter Frederick Rothermel. Below the image are the words: “Published by John Dainty 15 S. 6th St. Philadelphia Engd by A. B. Walter / WASHINGTON AS A MASON”.

MarkingsPrinted on the obverse, below the image: “Published by John Dainty 15 S. 6th St. Philadelphia Engd by A. B. Walter / WASHINGTON AS A MASON”

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