Washington And His Generals
Artist
Alexander H. Ritchie
Publisher
Ritchie & Johnson, New York
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1855
MediumSteel engraving enhanced with watercolor
DimensionsOverall: 23 5/8 x 35 in. (60 x 88.9 cm)
Overall, Frame: 37 7/16 x 47 1/2 in. (95.1 x 120.7 cm)
Overall, Frame: 37 7/16 x 47 1/2 in. (95.1 x 120.7 cm)
Inscribed"Drawn and engraved by A.H. Ritchie." "Published by Richie & Johnson, 23 Chambers St., New York"
Credit LineGift of Mr. Cosby Moore
Object number69.73.2
On View
Not on viewLabel TextAlexander H. Ritchie Ritchie & Johnson, New York Washington and His Generals, ca. 1855 Steel engraving enhanced with watercolor Gift of Mr. Cosby Moore 69.73.2 This ambitious, beautifully rendered historical pastiche was undoubtedly accompanied by a separate key that identified each of the nearly forty figures shown - clearly an assemblage of generals that never actually occurred. The setting, too, is imaginary with some of the architectural details apparently inspired by the interior features of Independence Hall - most notably the ornament near the ceiling in the main room and the doorway to the left. The inclusion of the quaint leaded casement widows (seen to the right) is anachronistic, for windows of this type were hopelessly out of style in America by the mid-18th century. Similarly, the chandeliers and furniture look far more Victorian than they do Georgian. A library bust of Benjamin Franklin presides over all, symbolizing the wisdom behind the republic.Exhibition History"First in the Hearts of His Countrymen: America Remembers George Washington 1732-1799," Chrysler Museum of Art, Nov. 23, 1999 - Summer 2001.
