Artwork

George Washington

George Washington, by Max Rosenthal, 1899
George Washington, by Max Rosenthal, 1899

George Washington is a print by the Impressionist artist Max Rosenthal. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

George Washington is a portrait print created by Max Rosenthal in 1899, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, depicted with a serious expression and gazing to the right, is adorned with a laurel wreath, symbolizing honor and achievement, set against a formal, dark-colored attire.

Technique & Style

Rosenthal employed chiaroscuro to create depth, focusing attention on the subject's face, with a classic hairstyle and pronounced facial features, all set against a rich, deep-colored background.

History & Provenance

Created in 1899 by Max Rosenthal, the work's provenance is traced to its current holding at The Cleveland Museum of Art, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.

Context

While the subject's identity as George Washington is stated, the piece reflects late 19th-century artistic tendencies in portraiture, blending traditional symbols of dignity with emerging technical nuances.

Legacy

As a representation of George Washington, it contributes to the broader artistic legacy of portraying historical figures, though its specific influence or renown within Rosenthal's oeuvre or beyond is not detailed.

Artist & collection

Artist

Max Rosenthal

Max Rosenthal (1833–1918) was an American artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.