The George Washington portrait was a painting created by Charles Wilson Peale, after the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania resolved to commission it on January 18, 1779 (Metropolitan Art Museum, n.d.). The painting does not have a definitive date of completion. Still, the Metropolitan Art Museum has it that the painting was done between 1779 and 1781, and is identified by the accession number 97.73.
The artistic movement associated with this piece of art is realism, which is a genre that started in France and focused on scenes of daily life and contemporary people (Martin & Jacobus, 2018). Looking at the portrait, his image, the background, and close objects like horses are a true picture of realism (Modern, Met Team, 2019). The uniqueness of Charles’ style of art lies in this precision and regard for detail. After the portrait of George Washington had been commissioned, Charles visited the battlefield to have a clear picture of the background, which he portrayed in a dark tone. He made the image of George lighter to differentiate him from the background and other objects surrounding him. Paintings of poorer society members characterized the artistic realism movement, but Charles uniquely used this movement to portray a societal elite and American patriarch.
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The portrait is a historical reminder of the battles of the American Revolution. His smile and confidence represent the ease he was experiencing after the conflict was over (Princeton University Art Museum, n.d.). Besides, George Washington’s military attire offers views a true reflection of the authority he commanded as the Continental Army commander. While many likenesses of George Washington has been made, this painting is the most renowned due to its physical representation of a true leader. The fallen Hessian and British flags lying to Washington’s feet are a depiction of this fact. Further, British prisoners are seen matching offering Europe with an authentic likeness of the iconic American leader.
During my research, I found out that the image was drawn with the utmost precision and took time to create. This is the immense degree of perfection that the artist had. I would expect an actual figure like present-day outlook, but this was the taste of art in those days, and it was highly appreciated. To the point that it secured a slot in many art museums, then it was a gem, and I have no objection but to concur with the individuals who endorsed it. The way I see art today should not be a point of judgment for what art was in the 18th century.
By understanding the context of the painting as a battlefield, I can easily interpret and conclude that George Washington was in war attire, and warriors probably used the horse in the background in the war. The serene background and clear sky is an indication that conflict was over, and the confident smile on George Washington’s face is a depiction of the same. Although the objects may not have existed during Washington’s battle time, they have been symbolically used by the artist for conveying specific ideas to the audience, illustrative of the significant historical events that prevailed.
Below is the image of the actual portrait from the Metropolitan Art Museum.
George Washington Portrait by Charles Wilson Peale, 1779 (Metropolitan Art Museum, n.d.).
References
Martin, F. D., & Jacobus, L. A. (2018). The humanities through the arts. New York: McGraw-
Hill Education.
Modern Met Team, M. M. T. (2019, February 7). 13 Revolutionary Art Movements That Have
Shaped Our Visual History . https://mymodernmet.com/important-art-movements/ .
Metropolitan Art Museum, M. A. M. (0AD). George Washington Portrait - 1779 .
metmuseum.org. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/11707 .
Princeton University Art Museum, P. U. A. M. (0AD). George Washington after the Battle of
Princeton (PP218) . Princeton University. https://artmuseum.princeton.edu/collections/objects/45234 .
