His Excellency George Washington Esq-r.

Art Historical Context

Step into the revolutionary fervor of 1777 with *His Excellency George Washington Esq.*, a striking mezzotint portrait produced amid the American Revolution. Depicting George Washington at the height of his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental, this print captures the general's dignified presence, likely derived from a painting by acclaimed artist Charles Willson Peale. Engravers Joseph Hiller, Sr., Samuel Blyth brought Washington's image to a wider audience through this affordable yet elegant reproduction, honoring his leadership during pivotal battles like Saratoga. Mezzotint, a technique pioneered in the 17th century, excels in subtle gradations of tone, creating velvety shadows and luminous highlights ideal for lifelike portraits. Here, delicate hand-coloring enhances Washington's uniform and features, adding vibrancy to the 12 11/16 x 9 1/2-inch sheet. Such prints were vital propaganda tools, disseminating heroic imagery to rally public support and boost morale in the fight for independence. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Charles Allen Munn, 1924), this work exemplifies early American printmaking's role in nation-building, transforming a single portrait into a symbol of resilience and resolve.

About the Artist

Joseph Hiller, Sr.|Charles Willson Peale|George Washington|Samuel Blyth (American|American|American|American) · 1747 |1741 |1732 |1744 –1814 |1827 |1799 |1795

American, Boston 1747/48–1814 Lancaster, Massachusetts|American, Chester, Maryland 1741–1827 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|American, 1732–1799|American, 1744–1795