An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of George Washingtonc. 1820
Artist: Thomas Sully; Artist: after Gilbert Stuart
American, 1783 - 1872
Portrait. George Washington in red drapery, black costume with white frills. No signature visible.
94 x 60 in. (238.76 x 152.4 cm) (canvas)
101 x 67 in. (256.54 x 170.18 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
United States
19th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
In a bustling city filled with history and ambition, one painting stands out among the rest—a remarkable copy of Gilbert Stuart's renowned portrait of George Washington. This masterpiece, finished in the year 1800, whispers tales from a time long past and was once cherished within the grand walls of the New York Public Library.
But the story does not end there. The artist, who followed in the footsteps of Stuart, was a man named Sully. He took to his easel not once, but many times, capturing the essence of Washington to meet an insatiable demand. Government buildings and historical societies clamored for the image of the man who had borne the weight of a nation upon his shoulders, and Sully answered that call with dedication.
In this portrait, Washington stands tall—a symbol of courage and resilience. His right hand gently rests upon a copy of the Constitution, the very document that defines the nation’s principles and ideals. The sword at his side serves as a powerful reminder of his military heroism, a nod to the battles fought and the sacrifices made.
As we gaze upon this artwork, we are drawn into a narrative rich in significance—a testament to the strength of leadership, the forging of a country, and the stories that continue to inspire generations. It is a reminder that every stroke of paint carries with it the weight of history, urging us to remember and reflect.
About the artist
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