George Washington

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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George Washington

by Gilbert Stuart
oil on canvas, probably 19th century, based on a work of 1796
28 3/4 in. x 23 3/4 in. (730 mm x 603 mm)
Given by Edward S. Harkness, 1924
Primary Collection
NPG 2041

Sitterback to top

  • George Washington (1732-1799), First President of the United States. Sitter in 22 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 61 portraits.

This portraitback to top

This painting was probably produced posthumously as one of many copies and versions made by Gilbert Stuart from his two sittings with George Washington in 1795 and 1796.

Linked publicationsback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1796back to top

Current affairs

Birth of Princess Charlotte, only child of George, Prince of Wales and Princess Caroline whose marriage soon quickly and publicly degenerates.

Art and science

Fanny Burney publishes Camilla, one of several influential novels exploring social misunderstanding and the fashionable mode of sensibility.
Architect William Chambers completes the building of Somerset House.
Collector William Beckford, the richest man in England, begins construction of his gothic fantasy Fonthill Abbey.

International

Napoleon Bonaparte assumes command of the French armies in Italy and defeats the Austrians at Millesimo and the Piedmontese at Mondovi.
Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, arrives in India as a colonel.
John Adams is elected President of the United States, defeating Thomas Jefferson by three votes.

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Ian Fagelson

25 August 2020, 08:55

This portrait will seem familiar, but also oddly unfamiliar, to American visitors. It appears on the ubiquitous US$1 bill (greenback) - but in mirror image,