George Washington

Art Historical Context

This delicate pastel portrait of George Washington, created by James Sharples Jr. in 1796, captures the first U.S. president near the end of his second term, just a year before he retired from public life. Sharples Jr., part of a family of itinerant English pastellists who traveled through America in the 1790s, in small-scale profile likenesses of prominent figures. These intimate works were highly sought after by elites, offering affordable yet vivid commemorations of Revolutionary heroes amid the young nation's growing cultural identity. Executed in pastel on toned laid paper—now subtly oxidized for a warmer patina—the 9 3/8 x 7 3/8-inch piece exemplifies the medium's luminous qualities. Pastels allowed for soft blending and rich color on prepared paper, though their fragility demanded careful preservation. The profile view, a nod to classical Roman coin portraits, lent Washington's image an air of timeless nobility, reinforcing his role as the "Father of His Country." Housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this bequest from Charles Allen Munn in 1924 preserves a snapshot of Federal-era portraiture, blending British technique with American patriotism. Visitors will appreciate its quiet elegance, a testament to Washington's enduring legacy.