(George Washington), oil on canvas, c. 1850-1890, unsigned, , , ,Size info: 23 by 16 in. (57 x 40 cm.), , , See website for additional data.
Catalog:Washington�s oratorical pose refers to his address to Congress on December 8, 1795, which included his support of the recently signed second treaty with England, known today as the "Jay Treaty" because its chief negotiator was John Jay. The paper, pen, and inkwell on the table suggest the treaty, signed in London on November 19, 1794, and ratified by the United States Senate on June 24, 1795. William Bingham was a leader in the Senate�s ratification of the treaty, which went into effect on February 29, 1796. The House of Representatives resisted appropriating the funds needed to carry out its provisions, and it was during this tense legislative process that Bingham commissioned Stuart to paint the full-length portrait. The completed painting was shipped in November 1796 to London, where it was placed on view at Lansdowne House. Its success as a presidential image was immediate. As the only full-length portrait that depicts Washington as president rather than as a general, the image was much admired by political supporters, who commissioned versions for themselves. In 1800, after Washington�s death, one version was purchased with United States Treasury funds and placed on display at the White House. This was the portrait that Dolly Madison rescued in 1814, when, during the War of 1812, the British army attacked Washington and burned both the President�s House and the United States Capitol. That portrait was returned to the White House in 1817 and can be seen today on view in the East Room.
The age of the stretchers and canvas suggest this is a vintage copy of this iconic portrait of Washington by America's best known painter of the founding fathers. Our painting takes some liberties with the composition but features the same background with the president seated holding the actual treaty which may reflect the requirements and focus on the treaty which the individual that commissioned the copy wished.
Condition
The painting in very good condition, with some scrapes and dings to the frame., Ref: , From a Sherman Oaks, Ca. collection., ,Sold framed,This iconic image of Washington as president is perhaps the best known portrait of Washington and has been reproduced in numerous etchings and the head graces the one dollar bill.