Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

George Washington
1848
Thomas Crawford (1814-1857)
Italy: Rome
Marble
overall: 31-1/2"h x 22"w x 10"d; base: 11-1/2"w x 8-3/4"d
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Manney
78.75.1

George Washington; marble bust of Washington in Roman garb; turned oval base.

This bust portrait shows George Washington in classical attire, associating him with the Roman republican tradition and its virtues of sacrifice, service, and liberty. In presenting Washington in ancient dress, the sculptor Thomas Crawford also linked the first U.S. president with the heroes and leaders of antiquity. Crawford, born in New York, studied and made his career in Rome, where he sculpted this work.