Handkerchief
c. 1806
Medium
Cotton, plain weave; copperplate printed
Dimensions
25.4 × 28 cm (10 × 11 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
77720
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This handkerchief commemorates George Washington (1732–1799) and includes his resignation speech from September 19, 1796. The figure of Washington is based on a painting of the president by Gilbert Stuart, which was commissioned by Senator William Bingham of Pennsylvania in 1796. Printed handkerchiefs of this period often record events and individuals, and they were often displayed rather than used. This handkerchief is attributed to the successful calico printer John Hewson of Philadelphia.
About the Artist
Gilbert Stuart · 1755–1828
Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828) was born on December 3, 1755, in Saunderstown, Rhode Island. He received his first painting instruction from local portraitist Samuel King, then studied under Scottish artist Cosmo Alexander who brought him to Scotland in 1771. After Alexander died, Stuart returned to Newport before sailing to London in 1775, where he entered the studio of Benjamin West for approximately...