"A portrait is a picture in which there is just a tiny little something not quite right about the mouth." -- John Singer Sargent

Saturday, March 19, 2016

George Washington



This 1815-1819 ormolu clock by Jacques Nicolas Pierre Francois Dubuc is on display in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.
"French mantel clocks that feature George Washington and other heroes were designed to appeal to Americans' renewed sense of patriotism following their victory in the War of 1812 against the British. The banner below the unusual silvered dial on this clock bears the famous phrase from Henry Lee's eulogy of the great general and first American president, who died in1799:
'WASHINGTON. First in WAR, First in PEACE,
First in the HEARTS of his COUNTRYMEN.'"

E Pluribus Unum

In this panel George Washington, or perhaps Cincinnatus, relinquishes  his sword.


The clock is mounted on a small shelf between  Gilbert Stuart and  Rembrant Peale portraits of Washington.


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