"G. Washington" Engraving by T. Johnson, after James Wright, 1890

Presented is a handsome profile portrait of George Washington. Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, looking to the right and body also depicted in profile. He wears his military uniform, a dark coat with epaulets, light waistcoat, and a white shirt with ruffled cravat. This print is based on a 1790 painting by James Wright, engraved by T. Johnson for the May 1890 issue of Century. The engraving accompanied an article entitled “Original Portraits of Washington,” written by Charles Henry Hart, with coverage of a loan exhibition of historical portraits and relics in connection with the centennial celebration of the inauguration of George Washington as the first president of the United States. The exhibit was held at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City and opened on April 17, 1889, with nearly fifty portraits of Washington on display. 

As detailed in the Century article, James Wright’s original painting was endorsed by G. W. Parke Custis, who is reported to have said: “Yes, this is the General. It is a most true and Faithful likeness. It gives a more correct and perfect expression of his countenance than any other I have seen, and I believe I have seen all of the portraits for which the General sat, — Stuarts’s, Peale’s, and others, — but none of them are as correct. They make his forehead too straight and massive, while the General’s receded in line with his nose, as may be seen in Houdon’s statues at the Capital in Richmond. You see the same in this portrait” (Hart, Century, 26- 27).  Hart writes that it is a “very interesting portrait of Washington” and that the “simple, placid dignity of this portrait is its highest commendation, while at the same time it has a charm of reality about it which is deeply impressive” (Hart, Century, 26).

The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president, from 1789 to 1797.  The son of a prosperous planter, George Washington (1732-1799) was raised in colonial Virginia. As a young man, he worked as a surveyor then fought in the French and Indian War. First named a commander of the Virginia militia, he was eventually put in charge of all of Virginia’s militia forces. In 1759, Washington resigned his commission, returned to Mount Vernon, and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, where he served until 1774.

Washington served as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774 in Philadelphia, where he met with other representatives of the colonies to discuss their future under growing British aggression and taxation. By the time the Second Continental Congress convened a year later, the American Revolution had begun in earnest, and Washington was named commander in chief of the Continental Army. Over the course of the grueling eight-year war, the colonial forces clashed with British forces. Up against a much larger, well trained and well funded British army, the Continental Army won few battles, yet continued to fight hard for their independence. In October 1781, with the aid of the French, the Continental forces were able to capture British troops under General Charles Cornwallis in the Battle of Yorktown. This action effectively ended the Revolutionary War and Washington was declared a national hero.

After the signing of the Treaty of Paris, Washington gave up his command of the Continental Army and returned to Mount Vernon, intent on resuming his life as a farmer. In 1787, he was asked to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and head the committee to draft the new Constitution. His impressive leadership there convinced the delegates that he was by far the most qualified man to become the nation’s first president. Less than three years after leaving office, he passed away at his Virginia plantation, Mount Vernon, at the age of 67.

CONDITION:

Near fine condition. Engraving, with facsimile “Go. Washington” signature printed at bottom center margin. Credit line in bottom margin, reads left to right “Painted by James Wright.”, “Engraved by T. Johnson.”, “Owned by G.L. McKean.” Paper is healthy, save light creasing present at corners, very small repaired tear in upper right margin, not affecting image. No foxing. A crisp and attractive image. 

Engraving is framed according to archival standards with acid-free mats, UV glass, and a custom wooden frame.

Framed Dimensions:  13 1/4" H x 11 1/4" W x 7/8" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.