George Washington

Gilbert Stuart, Henry Brintnell Bounetheau, George Washington, ca. 1845, watercolor on ivory, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Henry Du Pré Bounetheau, 1946.3.15
Copied Henry Brintnell Bounetheau, Gilbert Stuart, George Washington, ca. 1845, watercolor on ivory, 6 1⁄8 x 5 in. (15.6 x 12.7 cm) rectangle, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Henry Du Pré Bounetheau, 1946.3.15
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
George Washington
Artists
Copy after Gilbert Stuart
Date
ca. 1845
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
6 1⁄8 x 5 in. (15.6 x 12.7 cm) rectangle
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Henry Du Pré Bounetheau
Mediums
Mediums Description
watercolor on ivory
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — Washington, George — bust
  • Occupation — political — president
Object Number
1946.3.15
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1946.3.15

Artwork Description

This miniature was painted after a bust-length portrait by Gilbert Stuart, in which Washington appears in a black jacket and white tie, his lips pursed in a serious expression. In 1845 the Charleston, South Carolina, Courier published this description of the miniature: “Benevolence, wisdom, and dignity are alike impressed on the venerable features; and so excellent is the likeness---so full, too of all the elements of goodness and greatness---that the beholder almost feels himself in the presence of the departed excellence.” Conservation of this miniature was made possible through a generous grant provided by the Smithsonian Women’s Committee.