Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Gilbert Stuart died in 1828; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1898.
In context
George Washington — Gilbert Stuart
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 73 at death.
Painted when the artist was 42. The artist lived to 73. 76 of the 143 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828) ▲ this work, 1797 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1786 Main working years: 1786–1806 Late works: from 1806
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/gilbert-stuart-george-washington-8XXDU5-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #1b1612
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 59.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 190 works by this artist, of which 52 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 8 of them, with 3.8% of that attention. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Southampton, United Kingdom
Born: December 3, 1755, Saunderstown, Rhode Island
Died: July 9, 1828, Boston, Massachusetts
Nationality: American
Movement: Neoclassicism
Known for: Portraiture, particularly portraits of prominent figures in early American history.
Gilbert Stuart was born into a family with Scottish roots; his father, also named Gilbert, was an inventor who established the first snuff mill in Rhode Island.
His artistic talent emerged at a young age, demonstrating skill even as a child.
At 14, he painted "Dr. Hunter's Spaniels," showcasing early promise.
He traveled to Scotland around 1771 to study under Cosmo Alexander, but returned after Alexander’s death in 1775.
Further training occurred in London with Benjamin West, a prominent American painter residing in England, from 1775 to 1780. This period was crucial for developing his artistic style and gaining recognition within the Royal Academy.
Stuart's career faced challenges during the American Revolution, prompting him to relocate to England in 1775.
He achieved early success with "The Skater" (1782), a portrait that established his reputation.
His most famous work is the unfinished portrait of George Washington, known as the Athenaeum Portrait (begun in 1796). This image has become iconic, appearing on U.S. currency and postage stamps. Stuart produced numerous copies of this portrait for patrons across America and Europe.
He painted portraits of several other prominent figures including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and many members of the Federalist elite.
Stuart’s style was characterized by a Neoclassical approach, emphasizing realism and capturing the likeness and character of his subjects. He often employed a dramatic use of light and shadow to enhance the portraits' impact.
Cosmo Alexander provided early training in technique and composition.
Benjamin West’s influence was significant, shaping Stuart’s understanding of portraiture and artistic principles.
The Neoclassical movement, with its emphasis on classical forms and ideals, heavily influenced his style.
Stuart's own observations and interactions with his subjects contributed to the psychological depth and realism in his portraits. He aimed to capture not just a likeness but also the character and personality of those he painted.
Gilbert Stuart is considered one of America’s foremost portraitists, playing a vital role in documenting the early years of the United States.
The Athenaeum Portrait of George Washington has become an enduring symbol of American identity and leadership.
His portraits provide valuable historical insights into the lives and appearances of prominent figures from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Stuart’s work is represented in major museums across the United States and Europe, ensuring his legacy continues to be appreciated by generations.
He established a distinct American style of portraiture that blended European techniques with uniquely American sensibilities.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/gilbert-stuart-george-washington-8XXDU5-en/
Look closely
George Washington — Gilbert Stuart
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"George Washington" is attributed to Gilbert Stuart.
The colors in "George Washington" by Gilbert Stuart have a monochromatic intensity.
The palette of "George Washington" by Gilbert Stuart is described as earthy. It is a compact description of the work's colors.