George Washington Portrait Miniature 19th c
Directory: Fine Art: Paintings: Miniatures: Pre 1900: Item # 1474129
Please refer to our stock # a1888 when inquiring.
View Seller Profile
By Appointment
New York, New York 10128
(212)348-9073
Guest Book
A fine 19th century miniature version of Gilbert Stuart's "Lansdowne" portrait, the iconic 1796 life size portrait of George Washington. The painting here is done in watercolor and gouache on organic wafer. From its origin until the present day many copies of the portrait have been made, but very few on ivory.
This 3 1/8" by 2 1/2" example is in excellent condition, with no issues. The 11" by 9 3/4" gilt over gesso frame is period and might be original.
NOTES: 1. The Lansdowne portrait depicts the 64-year-old President of the United States during his final year in office. The portrait was a gift to former British Prime Minister William Petty, 1st Marquess of Lansdowne, and spent more than 170 years in England. Stuart painted three copies of the Lansdowne, and five portraits that were closely related to it. His most famous copy has hung in the East Room of the White House since 1800. Numerous other artists also painted copies.
2. The portrait likely depicts President Washington's December 7, 1795 annual address to the Fourth U.S. Congress. The highly unpopular Jay Treaty, settling claims between the United States and Great Britain left over from the Revolutionary War, had been presented to the U.S. Senate for approval earlier in the year. In England, the Lansdowne portrait was celebrated as Washington's endorsement of the Jay Treaty. The point of time is when he recommended inviolable union between America and Great Britain. Washington's December 7, 1795 address was the last that he delivered to Congress in person.
