Objects

George Washington
ca. 1859
Rembrandt Peale (1778-1860)
USA: Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
Oil on canvas
frame: 38"h x 33-1/8"w x 5"d; stretcher: 30"h x 25"w x 1"d
Gift of Forrest D. McKerley Foundation
2000.016

Bust portrait showing an older Washington wearing a gentleman's suit. Facing proper right.


In 1795, Philadelphia painter Charles Willson Peale and his son Rembrandt, aged just 17, had the opportunity to draw President George Washington from life. Years later, in 1824, Rembrandt Peale completed a portrait of Washington called "Patriae Pater"—Father of His Country—from his earlier sketches. This original painting is currently displayed in the United States Senate chamber. In later years, clients could order different versions of Rembrandt Peale’s 1824 portrait of George Washington. These portraits depict Washington in military uniform, or--as in this case--civilian dress. For further information, see Blog post, December 20, 2011 http://nationalheritagemuseum.typepad.com/library_and_archives/2011/12/rembrandt-peales-visit-with-george-washington.html



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