More About George Washington

As you know, George Washinton wasx the first president of the United States of America. He lived from 1732-1799. He fought many wars.  He fought in the wars against the French and Indians, serving as General Edward Braddock's aide in the disastrous campaign against Ft. Duquesne. His ability as a General, along with the French alliance and the growing weariness within Britain, brought the American Revolution war to a conclusion. Other wars that he was a part of were the American Revolution/ Bill of Rights (1791),  The Whiskey Rebelion in 1794, and the Constitution of the USA. Clearly, George Washinton was very involved with war towards the end of his life.
(Info from facts-about.com)

One Summary Sentence

The Lansdowne Portrait is a truly amazing, and very symbolic portrait of George Washinton, and was created with precision and effort by Gilbert Straut in the late 18th century. It represents the wars during that time but George Washinton still stands tall like a courageous President.

Visit the Lansdowne Portrait Today!

The Lansdowne portrait is actually in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. at this very moment! It is up for public viewing, as it has for 10 years. This is truly a fascinating picture. And what a better place for in to be viewed than the Smithsonian Institution.

My Opinion on the Lansdowne Portrait

The Lansdowne portrait is a very interesting picture. It symbolizes many things in history, and it was and is a very important part of history. The portrait is very beutifully painted, and will be preserved for many years to come. This painting symbolizes the hardship and war during that time, but George Washington still stands tall and proud, as he should. I think that this painting is a very important part in history, and without it, Geroge Washington wouldn't be such a remeberable President.

SYMBOLS???

I have done much more research and I have found that there are symbols in the painting. What are they? And what do they stand for?
WE HAVE ANSWERS
(Copied From Wikipedia)
The painting is full of symbolism, drawn from both American and ancient Roman symbols of the Roman Republic. Stuart painted Washington from life, showing him standing up, dressed in a black velvet suit with an outstretched hand held up in an oratorical manner (which could be characterized as "commanding and stern yet open and inclusive"). In the background behind Washington is a row of two Doric columns, with another row to the left. Wrapped around and between the columns are red tasseled drapes. Washington’s suit is plain and simple, and the sword that he holds on his left side is a dress sword and not a battle sword (symbolizing a democratic form of government, rather than a monarchy or military dictatorship). In the sky, storm clouds appear on the left while a rainbow appears on the right, signifying the American Revolutionary War giving way to the peace and prosperity of the new United States after the 1783 Treaty of Paris. The medallion at the top of the chair shows the red, white, and blue colors of the flag. On and under the tablecloth-draped table to the left are two books: Federalist—probably a reference to the Federalist Papers—and Journal of Congress—the Congressional Record. Another five books are under the table: the three to the right are General Orders, American Revolution, and Constitutional Bylaws—symbolizing Washington's leadership as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and president of the Constitutional Convention. The pen and paper on the table signify the rule of law. The leg of the table is shaped like a fasces, an ancient Roman symbol of power and authority. On the far left of the table is a silver inkwell, emblazed with George Washington's coat of arms (see Syng inkstand). A white quill rests upon silver dogs, ancient symbols of loyalty. Behind the table is a large black hat. Washington’s unusually clenched facial expression comes from his famous false teeth.

More About Gilbert Stuart

Stuart was born on December 3, 1755 in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He studied under Cosmo Alexander, a Scottish portrait painter, then worked in Rhode Island. Alexander accompanied Stuart to Scottland in 1772. Stuart studied at the University of Glasgow after his master died, and then returned to the United States. He later set up a studio in England, then several in America: Boston, Washington and New York.Today Gilbert Stuart is famous for his portraits which are displayed in museums across the globe. Beside for his paintings of Washington, Stuart's other major works include portraits of Benjamin West, William Woolett, John Hall, John Philip Kemble, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and one of W. Grant of Congalton skating in St. Jame's Park.

Where Has This Painting Been?

The painting was originally bought for a small 1000 dollars. It was on display at Lansdowne’s London mansion until Washington died in 1805. After that, it was held privately and became part of the 5th Earl of Rosebery’s collection around 1890. It later moved farther north, to Dalmeny House, in West Lothian, Scotland. The painting traveled to the United States three times, the latest time when it went on loan to the National Portrait Gallery in 1968. The portrait remained on loan until 2000, when its owner decided to sell it and the Gallery was in danger of losing the painting. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation donated $30 million to help purchase the painting as a gift to the nation, and it has remained on display ever since. Today, the estimated price of the painting is near 35 million dollars!