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There is Rest in Heaven Engraving Plate and Engravings
1801
Thomas Clarke
USA: Massachusetts, Boston
Engraving on paper; copper plate
a: 7-1/4"h x 5"w; c: 4.5 in x 3.5 in x in; b: 7-1/4"h x 4-1/2"w
Gift of Dr. William L. and Mary B. Guyton Collection
86.62.29a-c

On both prints: There is Rest in Heaven; image depicts three figures, mountains, greens, anchor of hope, signature underneath image, memorial monument showing George Washington's bust, reads "WASHINGTON / There is / Rest / in / HEAVEN." "Tho. Clarke sculpt/Newbury Street Boston" Image is bordered by a black circle. a: sepia stipple engraving impression; b: black stipple engraving impression; c: original copper plate.


When George Washington died in December 1799, Americans experienced an outpouring of grief. Numerous prints were published commemorating Washington's life and achievements. His death also started a vogue for mourning art - images in ink, paint and thread with symbols of everlasting life (like urns, willow trees and monuments), the name of the deceased and an appropriate verse. This engraving plate is an early example of a mourning piece, which was used to print innumerable copies of the print, which were then framed and hung on the walls of American parlors.