The Father of Our Country
Label Text
In an effort to remind voters of civic duty and patriotic sacrifice on the occasion of a presidential election, the firm Illman & Sons engraved this image, based on John Trumbull's 1792 portrait of George Washington Before The Battle of Trenton. The encounter marked a turning point in the American fight for independence. In his autobiography, Trumbull wrote that he aimed to capture "the scene, its dangers, its almost desperation" in addition to Washington's "lofty expression of his animated countenance, the high resolve to conquer or perish" in the face of adversity.
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Datec. 1841-1859
After
John Trumbull
(American, 1756 - 1843)
Engraver
Illman & Sons
(American, active c. 1841 - 1859)
Printer
Illman & Sons
(American, active c. 1841 - 1859)
Subject
George Washington
(American, 1732 - 1799)
Medium/TechniqueInk on paper; hand-colored engraving.
DimensionsImage (H x W): 15 in. × 11 in. (38.1 cm × 27.94 cm)
Overall (H x W): 16 5/8 in. × 12 3/4 in. (42.24 cm × 32.46 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Richard Austin Smith Sr. in memory of her mother, Katharine McCook Knox, 1984
Object numberPrint-4165/RP-568
DescriptionThis print is a full-length portrait image of George Washington, in full military uniform, shown commanding his troops at the Battle of Trenton during the American Revolutionary War.Published ReferencesCharles Henry Hart, Catalogue of Engraved Portraits of Washington (New York: The Grolier Club of the City of New York, 1904), 52.
MarkingsPrinted in ink above the image: "George Washington".
Printed in ink below the image, centered: "G. Washington. / On the Great Occasion of Our Presidential Election. / To All Lovers of Freedom and Independance, / is Presented this Portrait. / "The Father of Our Country" / From an Acknowledged and Much Admired Painting by Col. J. Trumbull. / Engraved & Printed by Illman & Sons."
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