Artwork
George Washington
George Washington is a watercolor painting. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The medium of watercolor on ivory allows for a luminous quality distinct from oil on canvas, suited for the intimate genre of the portrait.
Created in 1810 by an unidentified artist, this portrait of George Washington is executed in watercolor on an ivory support. The work is classified as a miniature painting, characterized by its small scale, measuring approximately 7.9 by 6.4 units. As a piece housed within The American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the object demonstrates the specific handling of delicate organic materials typical of early nineteenth-century portraiture.
The medium of watercolor on ivory allows for a luminous quality distinct from oil on canvas, suited for the intimate genre of the portrait. While the specific stylistic nuances of the brushwork are not detailed in the available records, the choice of materials and the formal constraints of the miniature format define its physical and aesthetic character.
History & Provenance
This watercolor on ivory portrait of George Washington is dated to 1810 and is attributed to an unknown artist. The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, assigned the object number 2006.235.299, and is classified within The American Wing. No information is available regarding its commission, original ownership, or the chain of custody prior to its acquisition by the museum, nor are details recorded about the circumstances of its creation.
The watercolor portrait of George Washington (c. 1810) is held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is catalogued under accession number 2006.235.299 and classified within the museum’s American Wing. The unsigned work, painted in watercolor on ivory, dates to circa 1810 and depicts the first president in a portrait format. It entered the Met’s collection in 2006, as indicated by its accession number. No exhibition history for this piece is documented in the supplied sources.
Overview
This diminutive watercolor on ivory depicts George Washington, America's first president. Rendered in a dark coat against a plain background, the portrait served as a personal memento during the early 19th century. Its small scale allowed it to be easily carried or worn, reflecting its role as a cherished personal item, much like a modern wallet photograph.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of this miniature is George Washington, whose image was widely sought after following his presidency. These small portraits allowed individuals and families to possess a personal representation of the revered national leader. Such keepsakes fostered a direct connection to a significant historical figure, making his presence tangible in everyday life.
Context
During the early 1800s, such miniature portraits functioned as highly personal objects, akin to contemporary wallet-sized photographs. People often carried them as cherished keepsakes or incorporated them into jewelry. This practice allowed individuals to maintain a constant, intimate connection with the depicted person, a widespread custom for the genre of portrait miniatures.
Artist & collection
