Artwork
George Washington
George Washington is a print by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1921.1150
- Credit line
- Gift of Ralph King
About this work
Overview
This late 18th-century print depicts George Washington in a somber, high-contrast portrait. His face, illuminated by a side light, stands out against a nearly black background, drawing the viewer's immediate attention.
Subject & Meaning
Created shortly after Washington's death, the work reflects the urgency among artists to capture his likeness while memories of him were still vivid in the public mind.
Technique & Style
The portrait's stiff, somewhat two-dimensional quality suggests the artist, whose identity remains unknown, likely worked from a popular print rather than a personal sitting, resulting in a somewhat rigid representation.
Context
This print is characteristic of early American portraiture, which often prioritized likeness over expressive depth. For similar works from this period, explore portraits categorized under the subject 'america'.
Artist & collection
