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1934-20, Print
GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq.r
1934-20, Print

GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq.r

Date1775
After work by Alexander Campbell
Publisher C. Shepherd
OriginEngland, London
MediumMezzotint with line engraving
DimensionsOverall: 18 3/8 × 11 1/4in. (46.7 × 28.6cm) Other (Plate): 14 1/4 × 9 3/8in. (36.2 × 23.8cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1934-20
DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq.r/ Done from an Original, Drawn from the Life by Alex.r Campbell, of Williamsburgh in Virginia./ GENERAL and COMMANDER in CHIEF of the CONTINENTAL ARMY in AMERICA./ Published as the Act directs 9.Sept 1775 by C. Shepherd London."
Label TextThis print of George Washington is from of a series of portraits of officers in the American War published quickly in England to capitalize on current events. Although this portrait print is inscribed "Drawn from life by Alex.r Campbell of Williamsburg in Virginia," the identity of the artist is unknown. Washington wrote to Colonel Joseph Reed to thank him for sending him a copy of a print allegedly after Campbell's work, noting in January 1776 that, "Mr. Campbell whom I never saw to my knowledge, has made a very formidable figure of the Commander-in-Chief, giving him a sufficient portion of terror in his countenance." Alexander Campbell is assumed to be a fictitious name.

There are several other prints bearing this inscription. See 1934-30, 1934-19, and 1951-79.