George Washington
- Artist
- Rembrandt Peale, American, 1778–1860
- Depicted
- George Washington, American, 1732–1799
- Date
- c.1845
- Material
- Oil on canvas
- made in
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Paintings
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 338
- Dimensions
- framed: 48 5/8 x 41 5/8 in. (123.5 x 105.7 cm)
- Credit Line
- Bequest of Edith J. and C. C. Johnson Spink
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 30:2014
NOTES
Rembrandt Peale portrays George Washington (1732–1799) in military dress, gazing resolutely off into the distance. Washington was commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and first president of the United States. In the decades following his death, public demand for Washington’s image grew. Beginning in 1824, Peale completed 79 versions of this portrait over a period of 40 years. This image became popular because it seemed to express the national ideal of liberty, even though many were denied this fundamental right. Washington, like many of the country’s founding leaders benefited from the labor of enslaved people.
Peale was the son of Charles Willson Peale, who established the first artistic dynasty in the United States. Many of his 10 children and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren pursued careers as professional artists.
Peale was the son of Charles Willson Peale, who established the first artistic dynasty in the United States. Many of his 10 children and numerous nieces, nephews, and grandchildren pursued careers as professional artists.