Description:

A PORTRAIT OF GEORGE WASHINGTON
Attributed to Jane Stuart, (1812?-1888), after Gilbert Stuart. A fine portrait of Washington, unsigned but a frame plaque attributes it to Jane Stuart, oil on canvas, 28 1/2" x 24", framed, minor retouching and craquelure not affecting the image. This familiar image, known as the "Athenaeum Portrait", was originally painted in 1796 from life by Gilbert Stuart and is best known for its appearance on the one-dollar bill. The President, then 63 years old, grumbled about the drudgery of posing, and all of Stuart's wit and wisdom failed to interest him. The artist claimed that "an apathy seemed to seize him, and a vacuity spread over his countenance, most appalling to paint". Nevertheless, Stuart's original portrait has spontaneity because of its relatively quick, sketchy technique. The warm tan under-painting in our example shows through the thinly brushed hair, while slashes of pigment model the black queue ribbon and form the highlights of the collar and cravat that carefully preserves Stuart's technique. The youngest daughter of the famous portraitist, Jane Stuart also became a noted portraitist in her own right and did numerous copies of her father's well-known paintings of George Washington and other notables of the day. While other artists also copied Stuart's works, hers are credited with being some of the best and include the portrait of Washington at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. So good was her technique that she finished many of Stuart's other works, including the acclaimed portrait of naval officer Oliver Hazard Perry (1818). Jane began as a studio assistant grinding pigments at age 12. She enjoyed a good relationship with her notoriously difficult father, who quirkily called her "boy". Little When Stuart died in 1828, leaving the family deep in debt, Jane began taking commissions to ease the family's straits. Despite Stuart's financial failings, Jane was always defensive of her father and indeed became the proverbial keeper of Stuart's legacy. In fact, much of what we know of her father comes from reminiscences Jane published in Scribner's Monthly Magazine in which she concurred with public opinion that her father was quick and cranky but success came from his equally-quick determination of his sitter's character. Jane became a noted teacher later in life and counted among her students Richard Morrell Staig, best known for his portrait of Oliver Wolcott, Jr. Never married, she became a well-known socialite and match-maker in Newport until her death. A striking and highly impressive work, relined and re-varnished with minimal touch-up. Purchased by our consignor from Garth's Auctions and ex: Robert Vose Galleries. A signed Jane Stuart painting of Washington achieved $194,000 at Northeast Auctions in 2008, while a second fetched $49,000. Very good condition, should be viewed.

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October 9, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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