[FEATURED EXHIBIT] 1839 Lithograph of General George Washington

Here’s another great exhibit at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: a large 1839 lithograph of General George Washington (the frame looks very old as well). You’ll be able to see it in our main display room.  Here’s the description:

Originally painted by Parisian artist Leon Cogniet, engraved by Jean Nicolas Laugier, and sold by James Herring of New York, this is a handsome print of Washington from the first half of the nineteenth century. It highlights the fashion in American culture for images of George Washington. During his life and following his death, Washington was elevated to national symbol, and his image graced every possible object from water jugs to neckerchiefs. Prints showing Washington were issued during his life-time and pretty much continuously throughout the nineteenth century. This is one of the most impressive full-figure engravings produced. This portrait is especially fine, taken from Gilbert Stuart’s work from the neck up, but realistically portraying Washington’s stature. As his adopted son, George Washington Parke Custis, noted, Cogniet’s representation was one of only two extant to capture Washington’s ‘matchless limbs.’