George Washington Belt Buckle

James I. Meyer, George Washington Belt Buckle, 1974, sterling silver, 14k gold, and ruby, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.158
Copied James I. Meyer, George Washington Belt Buckle, 1974, sterling silver, 14k gold, and ruby, 1 581 58 in. (4.24.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1975.158

Artwork Details

Title
George Washington Belt Buckle
Date
1974
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
1 581 58 in. (4.24.1 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Mediums Description
sterling silver, 14k gold, and ruby
Classifications
Keywords
  • Landscape — tree
  • Portrait male — Washington, George
  • Object — tool — axe
Object Number
1975.158

Artwork Description

In George Washington Belt Buckle, James Meyer shows a young Washington chopping down the famous cherry tree, invoking a popular episode from American folklore. Meyer expresses in this piece his desire to enjoy and protect his cultural heritage, a need that he attributes to his observations while traveling abroad. According to the artist, the richness and vitality of Italy’s culture made him aware of our need to preserve America’s folk history and shared heritage.