George Washington
Gilbert Stuart, begun 1795
About this artwork
Behold Gilbert Stuart's captivating portrait of *George Washington*, begun in 1795, a cornerstone of American art now housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing. This oil-on-canvas masterpiece, measuring 30¼ × 25¼ inches, captures the first U.S. President with remarkable immediacy, thanks to Stuart's mastery of the medium. Oil allowed the artist to layer rich, luminous colors and subtle textures, bringing Washington's dignified presence to life in a way that feels intimately human. Stuart, a leading portraitist of the early American republic, painted several versions of Washington, making this work part of an iconic series that shaped the nation's visual identity. Begun during Washington's presidency, it reflects the neoclassical ideals of the era—emphasizing virtue, strength, and republican simplicity. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1907, the painting stands as a cultural touchstone, embodying the birth of American independence and leadership. Visitors often marvel at how Stuart's unflinching gaze and loose brushwork convey Washington's character, blending formality with subtle warmth. A must-see for history buffs, it reminds us of art's power to immortalize a founding father.