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George Washington

Creator Name

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Charles Willson Peale

Cultural Context

American

Date

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Creation: 18th century

About the Work

Curationist LogoCurationist Object Description
Charles Willson Peale’s portraits of Washington were pivotal in shaping the public image of the general as a symbol of resilience and leadership during the American Revolution. Peale, who had served in the Continental Army, had a personal connection to Washington, allowing him to portray the general with a deep sense of familiarity and admiration.

The painting is housed in a gold bracelet case, and was a gift for Martha Washington. It would have been fastened with braided or twisted hair; Martha collected hair from friends and loved ones. This piece is a key example of Peale's contribution to Revolutionary War-era visual culture, as well as the intimate bond between George and Martha Washington.
Metropolitan Museum of Art Object Description
Painting, miniature

Work details

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Curationist Logo= Curationist added metadata

Title

George Washington

Creator

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Charles Willson Peale (link to bio), Painter
Charles Willson Peale, American, Chester, Maryland 1741–1827 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Artist;
Charles Willson Peale

Worktype

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Painting; Jewelry

Cultural Context

American

Material

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Medium: Watercolor paint;
Substrate: Ivory, Gold
Watercolor on ivory

Dimensions

1 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (3.8 x 3.5 cm);
height: 3.81centimetre;
width: 3.5centimetre

Technique

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Watercolor

Language

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Date

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Creation: 18th century
ca. 1777

Provenance

Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883

Style Period

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Rights

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Public Domain
Public Domain

Inscription

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Location

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Creation: United States of America

Subjects

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Descriptive Topic: Portrait miniature, President, Man, White people, People;
Personal Name: George Washington
George Washington; Men; Portraits

Topic

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Curationist Contributors

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Jessica Gengler

Related Content

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Part of: Miniature Portraits Unveiled: Ivory's Legacy and Artistic Agency

All Works in Curationist’s archives can be reproduced and used freely. How to attribute this Work:

Charles Willson Peale, George Washington, circa 1777. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Charles Wilson Peale's intimate depictions of George Washington helped cement his image as a national icon. Public Domain.

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