George Washington
1827–28; modeled, ca. 1832
Medium
Marble
Dimensions
26 3/8 x 19 1/2 x 12 1/2 in. (67 x 49.5 x 31.8 cm)
Classification
Bust
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. John Falconer, 1884
Accession Number
84.8.2
Tags
Art Historical Context
Behold the poised marble bust of *George Washington* by Horatio Greenough crafted between 1827–28 and modeled around 1832. Measuring 26 3/8 x 19 1/2 x 12 1/2 inches, this intimate portrait captures the first U.S. President with dignified restraint, his gaze conveying resolute leadership. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing since its 1884 gift from Mrs John Falconer, it exemplifies early 19th-century American portraiture. Greenough, a pioneering neoclassical sculptor trained in Italy, infused the work with classical ideals—smooth, polished marble evoking ancient Roman bust...