[1802 George Washington Verre Églomisé Silhouette Portrait signed “C T.”].

An unusual and dated silhouette of George Washington

---

Verre églomisé portrait dated 1802 of the President George Washington made a few years after his death, likely as a mourning souvenir of the popular Revolutionary War general and first United States president.

The reverse painted and gilded glass silhouette depicts a sideview bust portrait of Washington. The delicate painting (applied before gilding) shows fine strands of his hair and a lace jabot at his neck. The mirror-like gilded background appears to make the black silhouette float before the viewer. The portrait is signed by the artist at the shoulder: “C T.”

Within the image is a caption giving Washington’s life dates, 1732 to 1799, and his initials “G. W.” Washington’s heroic, classical image in silhouette, as typically seen, seems at odds with this artist’s depiction; we can’t find a like comparison.

George Washington’s death in 1799 was the first great national public mourning in America. Artifacts were commercially produced almost immediately to commemorate his death; these included broadsides, memorial pamphlets, rings, textiles, ceramics, and silhouettes.

Price: $950.00