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General Washington

Valentine Green

1799

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Portrait George Washington

Dominant colour

General Washington is a 1799 ink by Valentine Green, a Romanticism work, depicting George Washington, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Valentine Green
When & what style?: 1799 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows George Washington in uniform, facing left, his face calm but serious. The artist used fine lines and shading to make Washington look dignified yet human. The dark background pushes his face forward, so you focus on him. Valentine Green made this hand-colored mezzotint in 1799. Mezzotint is a tricky printmaking technique where the artist roughens metal plates to create soft shadows. Green’s version adds color by hand after printing. Look up the National Gallery of Art, Washington to see this print in person.