George Washington
Artist
Unknown
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1835
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsOverall: 30 x 24 7/8 in. (76.2 x 63.2 cm)
Overall, Frame: 37 x 32 in. (94 x 81.3 cm)
Overall, Frame: 37 x 32 in. (94 x 81.3 cm)
Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
Object number71.780
Not on view
DescriptionOil on canvas painting.Label TextAmerican George Washington, ca. 1825-1850 Oil on canvas Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.780 This rather naïve full-figure portrait of George Washington owes much to Gilbert Stuart's famous "Landsdowne" portrait, which was widely known through prints and was even copied on 19th-century playing cards - showing Washington as "King of Hearts." The anonymous painter stiffly copied Stuart's pose, eliminating the sword at Washington's left side, but maintained a similar gesture in the hand that now rests on a table rather than a scabbard. Washington's right arm outstretched in the Stuart is brought back to his side and here holds a scroll - the traditional prop for a statesman. The artist copied none of the grand manner furnishings and architectural details from the Stuart, but introduced many of the same type of elements to emphasize his subject's exalted status: columns, drapery, a carpet underfoot, and an elaborate table set with an inkstand and books. Here Washington is represented as founding father. The carpet is bordered with stars representing the growth of the Union. The United States Capitol, as it appeared before the addition of the current dome, may be seen through the open doorway. The Chrysler owns a grand manner portrait by Sir William Beechey (depicting the Scotch explorer Sir Thomas Livingston Mitchell) that makes an interesting comparison with this humble effort. It may be seen in the 18th-century galleries.Exhibition History"Three Hundred Years of American Art in the Chrysler Museum," Chrysler Museum at Norfolk, Va., March 1 - July 4, 1976. "The Portrait in America," The Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photography Galleries, The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, Jan. 26 - April 8, 1990. "First in the Hearts of His Countrymen: America Remembers George Washington 1732-1799," Chrysler Museum of Art, Nov. 23, 1999 - Summer 2001. Published ReferencesBrooks Johnson. _The Portrait in America_. The Chrysler Museum, Norfolk, VA. 1990: p. 10.
Unknown
