Artwork
George Washington Deal
George Washington Deal is an oil painting by the Romanticist artist Robert Street. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The painting shows a man, likely George Washington, in a formal setting.
He is dressed in old-fashioned clothes.
The subject of the painting is a serious-looking man.
This painting is interesting because it was made in 1834.
The artist tried to show the subject in a realistic way.
You can learn more about this style by looking into the technique: glazing.
Overview
Robert Street’s oil on canvas, dated 1834, presents a formal portrait of a man identified as George Washington. Rendered in a realistic manner, the work captures the subject in period attire, his expression solemn and composed. The painting reflects early nineteenth‑century approaches to historical portraiture, emphasizing fidelity to the sitter’s likeness and demeanor.
Subject & Meaning
The figure, dressed in eighteenth‑century clothing, is portrayed with a grave countenance, suggesting the dignified character traditionally associated with Washington. By situating the former president in a formal interior, the artist underscores his status as a national symbol, inviting viewers to contemplate leadership and virtue as embodied in the early republic.
Technique & Style
Street employed a glazing technique, applying thin, translucent layers of oil to build depth and subtle tonal variation. This method enhances the realism of the fabrics and skin, allowing light to penetrate the surface and create a luminous effect typical of academic portraiture of the period.
History & Provenance
Created in 1834, the portrait emerged during a wave of commemorative art that celebrated founding figures. While specific ownership records are limited, the work has been attributed to Street, an American painter active in the early nineteenth century, and has remained within collections focused on early national portraiture.
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Artist & collection
