Portrait of George Washington (1732-1799)

Date1840-1860

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsUnframed: 24 x 20 1/4in. (61 x 51.4cm) and Framed: 28 1/2 x 24 1/2in.

Credit LineGift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller

Object number1933.100.1

DescriptionOil portrait of George Washington in uniform, bust-length. Background reddish brown on Washington's left and black on his right. He faces slightly to his left. His grey hair is combed back from his forehead, and comes to curls (a roll of curls) slightly over his ears (dressed in wig-like manner). Dark blue coat, gilt epaullettes, buff collar and lapels with five large gilt buttons. White neckcloth and ruffles, buff waistcoat with buttons, unbuttoned slightly. Eyes appear slightly askew.
Label TextIn his PICTURESQUE VOYAGE IN NORTH AMERICA, published in 1815, the Russian diplomat and travel journalist Paul Svinin (1788-1839) stated: "It is noteworthy that every American considers it his sacred duty to have a likeness of Washington in his home, just as we have the images of God's saints.... Washington's portrait is the finest and sometimes the sole decoration of American homes."
ProvenanceMr. and Mrs. Elie Nadelman, Riverdale, NY. Edith Gregor Halpert, Downtown Gallery, New York, N.Y. Given to C. W. by Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.