Group of Trees Over the Tomb of Washington
Label Text
This painting is one of a group of views of Mount Vernon executed by Russell Smith during or just after his 1839 visit to the estate. At the time, George Washington’s Mount Vernon –and particularly the old and new tomb--were revered as national pilgrimage sites, a place where visitors could experience the greatness of Washington and the founding generation. This inventive painting does not directly feature a gravesite, but incorporates the white fence above the old tomb as an allusion to it. The additional inclusion of a figure in black--likely representing a mourner--suggests the collective national bereavement for Washington during the period.
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Datec. 1839
Artist
William Thompson Russell Smith
(American, 1812 - 1896)
Geography
Probably made -
United States
DimensionsOverall (H x W x D, framed): 15 3/8 in. x 19 in. x 2 1/2 in. (39.05 cm x 48.26 cm x 6.35 cm)
Credit LinePurchase, 1979
Object numberM-2744/A-B
DescriptionA horizontal landscape depicting a large stand of trees above the old tomb at Mount Vernon. At the base of the trees at center right, strokes of white paint suggest the paling fence which surrounded the old tomb during the 19th century. A lone figure dressed entirely in black with a black hat is walking away from the fenced area. The Potomac River and Maryland shore are visible through the trees. Bluish underdrawing is visible, particularly around the trees, and in the sky. The background is composed of clouds and blue sky. A cluster of white flowers at front center lead the eye back, and a band of loosely painted white flowers demarcate the middle ground. Another group of trees is shown at far right, and at left, just the tops of another tree is visible. It is framed in a reproduction gilt wood frame.
Published ReferencesLydia Mattice Brandt, “Picturing Mount Vernon,” Imprint 38: 1 (Spring 2013), 2-19. (General Reference)
Lydia Mattice Brandt, "Re-living Mount Vernon: Replicas and Memories of America's Most Famous House." Ph.D. diss., University of Virginia, 2011. (General Reference)
Robert W. Torchia, The Smiths: A Family of Philadelphia Artists, (Philadelphia, PA: Schwarz Gallery, 1999). (General Reference)
Virginia E. Lewis, Russell Smith: Romantic Realist (Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1956), 74-76.
Virginia E. Lewis, Russell Smith: Romantic Realist, exhibition catalogue (Pittsburgh: Department of Fine Arts, University of Pittsburgh, 1948), 2.
James Albert Wineberger, The Tomb of Washington at Mount Vernon (Washington, D.C.: T. McGill, 1858).(General Reference)
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