George Washington

Status

Not on view

Label Text

This portrait miniature of George Washington is a close copy of Gilbert Stuart’s 1796 Lansdowne portrait. That celebrated portrait was copied by Stuart himself and by other artists including Stuart’s daughter Jane.

Datec. 1800-1900

Artist Unknown

After Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755 - 1828)

Subject George Washington (American, 1732 - 1799)

Geography Made - United States

Medium/TechniqueWatercolor on ivory; birds-eye maple frame with gilt fillet, glass, metal

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 10 in. × 9 in. (25.4 cm × 22.86 cm) Other (Miniature H x W): 4 5/8 in. × 3 1/2 in. (11.75 cm × 8.89 cm)

Credit LineGift of an anonymous donor, 1949

Object numberM-1509

DescriptionA rectangular, full-length portrait miniature of George Washington in civilian attire after Gilbert Stuart’s Lansdowne portrait. Washington is presented standing, turned one-quarter to the proper right, with proper right arm extended and proper left hand holding a gold-handled ceremonial sword. He stands on an oriental carpet within a portico-like space open to the sky with a rainbow behind. He is surrounded by a wall, columns, red curtains, red velvet armchair and neoclassical table. On the table are a rolled parchment, an ink stand and quill, a black hat, and two books; more books are visible under the table. Washington wears a white stock and lace jabot under his black velvet coat, and lace cuffs emerge from his sleeves. There are areas of blue visible in the coat, especially near the proper right collar; a light application of white has been applied to the proper right shoulder. His full hair is powdered and worn ‘en queue’ with a black hair ribbon. His nose is notably broad.

The Birds eye maple frame has a metal hanging ring.

SignedAt lower proper left corner: “YA”
Published ReferencesCarrie Rebora Barratt and Ellen G. Miles, Gilbert Stuart (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2005), 166-175. (General Reference)

American Art Galleries, Illustrated Catalogue of Relics and Memorabilia of George Washington (New York: American Art Association, 1922), number 89.

The Anderson Galleries, Historical Relics of George Washington (New York: Redfield-Kendrick-Odell, 1917), Page 46, cat. 62. (General Reference)

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