Virgin Mary

Status

Not on view

Label Text

This pastel portrait of the Virgin Mary originally hung in the New Room at Mount Vernon, together with its pendant, a pastel of St. John the Evangelist. It is not known when the Washingtons acquired the set of pastels. The style of the drawing suggests it was inspired by the work of Italian artist Rosalba Carriera.

Read MoreRead Less

Datec. 1700-1750

Geography

Medium/TechniquePastel on paper mounted on canvas

DimensionsOverall (Mounted H x W): 18 7/8 in. × 14 3/8 in. (47.94 cm × 36.51 cm) Overall (Image H x W): 18 1/2 in. × 14 in. (46.99 cm × 35.56 cm)

Credit LineGift of Maud T. Drane, 2003

Object numberW-4336

DescriptionThis is an image of the Virgin Mary. The female figure's head is draped with white cloth and she is wearing blue robes. She presses her right hand to her heart and holds a small open book in her right hand.
Published ReferencesStanley V. Henkels, Auction Commission Merchant, The Final Sale of the Relics of General Washington, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 21-23 April 1891, Sales Catalogue No. 663 (Philadelphia: Stan V. Henkels, 1891), Lot # 273.

Edward Everett, "Life of George Washington" (New York: Sheldon & Co.), 1860, Appendix No. 2, 286-7.

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.