The Washington Family

Edward Savage began work on The Washington Family in New York City during 1789–1790, based on life studies from the early years of George Washington's presidency, and completed the oil-on-canvas painting in Philadelphia between 1795 and 1796. Washington himself later ordered four prints of Savage's engraving of the composition. The painting's known provenance begins with the artist; after Savage's death, it was purchased from his estate on 14 November 1820 by Ethan Allen Greenwood of Boston.

It then passed to Moses Kimball in 1839, to Samuel P. Avery Jr. in 1891, and to William Frederick Havemeyer in 1892. After a period at the National Democratic Club, it was sold in 1922 to Art House, Inc., and subsequently owned by Thomas B. Clarke. In 1936, the A.W. Mellon Educational and Charitable Trust acquired the painting through M. Knoedler & Co., and it was gifted to the National Gallery of Art in 1940.

In the nineteenth century, the painting achieved widespread fame through mass-produced engravings, first by Savage himself from 1798 and later by John Sartain from 1840; George Washington ordered four prints for himself. Art historians have closely analyzed the work: one researcher noted that the painting's perspective lines terminate at Washington's heart, underscoring its patriotic symbolism. The image remains a celebrated example of early American group portraiture, emblematic of the new republic's ideals.

The Washington Family achieved widespread fame in the 19th century, largely due to mass-produced prints. Savage himself published engravings from 1798, and John Sartain continued printing them from 1840, ensuring broad circulation. George Washington ordered four prints and displayed one at Mount Vernon.

The painting's legacy continued into the 21st century: in 2005, artist Peter Waddell debuted A Vision Unfolds, a history painting that incorporates elements from Savage's composition; it was exhibited at multiple museums through 2011. The original painting remains on view at the National Gallery of Art.

This monumental oil on canvas, titled The Washington Family, was created by the American artist Edward Savage between 1789 and 1796. It presents a life-sized group portrait featuring President George Washington, First Lady Martha Washington, two of her grandchildren, and an enslaved servant. The expansive painting, measuring approximately 7 by 9.3 feet, is a significant historical work. It is currently housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.