George Washington Photogravure, after Gilbert Stuart, 1901

Presented is a 1901 photogravure portrait of President George Washington, after the  famous 1796 "Lansdowne" oil painting by Gilbert Stuart. The photogravure was issued as one of twenty four portraits in “The White House Gallery of Official Portraits of the Presidents,” a large folio printed by the Gravure Company of America in 1901. Interleaved with letter-pressed biological sketches by noted historians, these portraits featured the presidents George Washington through William McKinley. 

The standing portrait shows President George Washington in front of neoclassical columns and drapes. The composition is highly symbolic. In his right hand, Washington holds a dress sword, hinting at his military prowess and his significant role as Commander in Chief. To his left is a table strewn with books, scrolls, a quill and an ink pot to signify rule of law.

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:

Very good condition. Photogravure portrait, from the 1901 “The White House Gallery of Official Portraits of the Presidents.” With accompanying letterpress description, included with portrait. Very light toning and foxing. Full margins. Archivally presented with acid-free mats. Sold unframed, as-is. 

Print Dimensions: 15 1/4" H x 10" W. Mat Dimensions: 22 3/8" H x 18" W.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.