George Washington's Presidency

George Washington was the President of the United States from 1789-1797.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington

Who was George Washington?

Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman. From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions.

He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, "we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn." Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies--he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown... died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him.

Reference: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/georgewashington

A One Sentence Summary of the Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington

This portrait represents unpretenciousness because he is wearing only a plain black suit, flat, black shoes, and no wig: his attire is very plain, and kept to a minimal without manipulating his position in the society as a president.

The Elements in the George Washington Lansdowne Portrait

What do the element symbolize?
- The pen represents literacy.
- The bureau represents an office.
- The designs and colors of the chair represents royalty.

The Legacy of Gilbert Charles Stuart

"By the end of his career, Gilbert Stuart had taken the likenesses of over one thousand American political and social figures.^[32] He was praised for the vitality and naturalness of his portraits, and his subjects found his company agreeable:

Speaking generally, no penance is like having one's picture done. You must sit in a constrained and unnatural position, which is a trial to the temper. But I should like to sit to Stuart from the first of January to the last of December, for he lets me do just what I please, and keeps me constantly amused by his conversation.

— John Adams^[33]

Stuart was known for working without the aid of sketches, beginning directly upon the canvas. This was very unusual for the time period.

John H. I. Browere's life mask portrait of Stuart, ca.1825

Stuart's works can be found today at art museums and private collections throughout the United States and Great Britain, including the University Club in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the National Portrait Gallery in London, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.<sup>[5]"

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Stuart</sup>

More About the Artist Gilbert Stuart

Gilbert Stuart was born in Saunderstown , Rhode Island on December 3, 1955. He was Gilbert Stewart's third child. Elizabeth Anthony Stewart was his mother.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Stuart 

The Artist Gilbert Stuart (DID YOU KNOW?)

Did you know that this Lansdowne portrait was painted by an Rhode Islander artist? Well, it was. Gilbert Stuart was born in Newport, Rhode Island. His teacher was an artisan painter who never had formal training. But even so, Stuart showed exceptional talent that soon brought him commisions from well-known clients. On the night before the American Revolution, Stuart sailed to England to learn art in the European tradition. I think that leaving this pre-battled country was an award-worthy act in terms of striving in profession during a time that would bring grievances to a whole country.
Source: Picturing America Text Book