The Bedchamber of Washington, in Which he Died, with the Furniture, as it Was at the Time, Drawn on the Spot by Permission of Mrs. John Washington

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Status

On view

Date1835

Artist John Gadsby Chapman (American, 1808 - 1889)

Medium/TechniquePainting: oil on canvas, wood (stretcher) Frame: wood, gesso, gilding, iron

DimensionsOverall (Framed): 24 1/2 in. × 31 7/8 in. × 1 3/4 in. (62.23 cm × 80.96 cm × 4.45 cm)

Credit LineAcquired through the generosity of Lucy S. Rhame and an anonymous donor, 2017 Conservation courtesy of The Founders, Washington Committee Endowment Fund

Object numberH-5533/A-B

DescriptionPainting: A horizontal, rectangular interior scene of the Washington bedchamber at Mount Vernon, with a bed covered in white dimity at the center of the composition and assorted furniture placed around the room. The room is painted a cream color with white trim, and the floor is covered in red and green striped carpeting. The ceiling is painted white. An easy chair slip covered in white dimity is set up fireside in the right foreground atop a hearth rug. A dark cloth is draped over the right arm of the chair and a footstool is placed in front. To the right of the chair is a turned table with a red leather covered book with brass clasp sitting on top. To the left is a ladies’ writing desk with a fish bowl and goldfish on top and to the right is the corner of a chest on chest. Light streams into the room from the window on the left, which has a white dimity curtain and valance. Light streams onto the bed, which has its left foot curtain pulled back to reveal two beds resting on the mattress. The bed valance has netted fringe, while the curtains and counterpane have a shorter fringe. Two chairs with black seats are positioned on the left below the widow and two stools are positioned between the door and the chairs. A dressing table with dressing glass occupies the right wall along with a chair.

Inscribed on reverse of canvas: “THE BED CHAMBER OF WASHINGTON IN WHICH HE DIED WITH ALL THE FURNITURE AS IT WAS AT THE TIME. DRAWN ON THE SPOT by permission of MRS. JOHN WASHINGTON of MOUNT VERNON by Jn. G. CHAPMAN.” The inscription is covered by lining canvas but copied on a jelly label attached to the stretcher.

Frame: Original gilded frame with flat stepped profile in the Greek Revival style. Three steps descend towards the narrow sight edge and the painting. Frame is composed of two parts, a frame and a liner, assembled with mitered joints. Outside edges of frame are painted yellow/brown.

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