14th May, 2024
Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington, often referred to as the "Athenaeum Portrait," is indeed one of the most iconic images of America's first president. The story behind this portrait is quite interesting.
Stuart was an accomplished American portraitist who painted several portraits of Washington during his lifetime. The "Athenaeum Portrait" is arguably his most famous depiction of Washington and has been reproduced countless times, appearing on the one-dollar bill and on numerous other items.
Stuart painted Washington in 1796, but Washington dissatisfied with the likeness. Stuart kept the original, creating "Athenaeum" portraits, one of which was purchased by the Boston Athenaeum.
Stuart's portraits of Washington became highly sought after, and he painted several versions, each slightly different. The one that became the most famous is the one where Washington is depicted with his head turned slightly to the right, his eyes looking directly at the viewer, and his expression both dignified and approachable.
Despite being a highly talented artist, Stuart struggled with finances throughout his life, and he often faced difficulty in getting his clients to pay for his work. As a result, he sometimes relied on producing multiple copies of his portraits to generate income.
Stuart's portraits of Washington played a significant role in shaping the image of the first president in the public consciousness. They captured Washington's character and demeanor in a way that resonated with the American people, helping to solidify his status as a revered figure in American history.