Painting of George Washington by Edward Savage
This painting has recently replaced the Gilbert Stuart painting in the American Style Gallery. Mr. Savage was a self-taught painter and engraver. In the early 1780s Savage was painting commissioned copies of portraits of prominent Bostonians. In 1789, Harvard University sent the aspiring artist to paint a portrait of then-president George Washington. His early connection to Washington defined Savage's career. He painted at least seven portraits of Washington and two of Martha Washington.
This painting reveals the image of an austere and stately George Washington. The background is a dark brown bronze. In almost profile, his face bears a long nose, dark eyes, and a protruding chin. Two brown, arching eyebrows frame his slender features. Four horizontal rows, one above the other, depict his gray and white hair. In a three-quarter length bust portrait, George Washington wears a solid black coat. It is open enough to reveal a white linen shirt underneath. The linen appears to zigzag down Washington’s chest. An ornate, gilded frame adorns the oil portrait.
Painting of George Washington by Edward Savage
This painting has recently replaced the Gilbert Stuart painting in the American Style Gallery. Mr. Savage was a self-taught painter and engraver. In the early 1780s Savage was painting commissioned copies of portraits of prominent Bostonians. In 1789, Harvard University sent the aspiring artist to paint a portrait of then-president George Washington. His early connection to Washington defined Savage's career. He painted at least seven portraits of Washington and two of Martha Washington.
This painting reveals the image of an austere and stately George Washington. The background is a dark brown bronze. In almost profile, his face bears a long nose, dark eyes, and a protruding chin. Two brown, arching eyebrows frame his slender features. Four horizontal rows, one above the other, depict his gray and white hair. In a three-quarter length bust portrait, George Washington wears a solid black coat. It is open enough to reveal a white linen shirt underneath. The linen appears to zigzag down Washington’s chest. An ornate, gilded frame adorns the oil portrait.