"George Washington, First President of the United States of America" Engraving by James Fittler, after Gilbert Stuart, 1804

Presented is a handsome engraved portrait of George Washington by artist James Fittler, titled “George Washington, First President of the United States of America.” This engraving was published in London by Richard Phillips in 1804, for the inclusion in John Marshall’s biography, The Life of George Washington. The engraving is based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart, the famous “Lansdowne” standing portrait from 1796. Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, facing left. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat. 

The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president, from 1789 to 1797.  The son of a prosperous planter, George Washington (1732-1799) was raised in colonial Virginia. As a young man, he worked as a surveyor then fought in the French and Indian War. First named a commander of the Virginia militia, he was eventually put in charge of all of Virginia’s militia forces. In 1759, Washington resigned his commission, returned to Mount Vernon, and was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, where he served until 1774.

Washington served as a delegate to the First Continental Congress in 1774 in Philadelphia, where he met with other representatives of the colonies to discuss their future under growing British aggression and taxation. By the time the Second Continental Congress convened a year later, the American Revolution had begun in earnest, and Washington was named commander in chief of the Continental Army. Over the course of the grueling eight-year war, the colonial forces clashed with British forces. Up against a much larger, well trained and well funded British army, the Continental Army won few battles, yet continued to fight hard for their independence. In October 1781, with the aid of the French, the Continental forces were able to capture British troops under General Charles Cornwallis in the Battle of Yorktown. This action effectively ended the Revolutionary War and Washington was declared a national hero.

After the signing of the Treaty of Paris, Washington gave up his command of the Continental Army and returned to Mount Vernon, intent on resuming his life as a farmer. In 1787, he was asked to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and head the committee to draft the new Constitution. His impressive leadership there convinced the delegates that he was by far the most qualified man to become the nation’s first president. Less than three years after leaving office, he passed away at his Virginia plantation, Mount Vernon, at the age of 67.

CONDITION:

Good condition. Paper is healthy, with faint toning from previous framed display. Very small tear in top left corner margin. The print has an engraved title at the bottom center margin, “GEORGE WASHINGTON, First President of the United States of AMERICA, Engraved by James Fittler A.R.A. from the original picture painted by G. Stuart in the possession of the Most Noble the Marquis of Lansdowne.” This is followed by the publisher’s line, “London. Published as the Act directs, May 15 1804, by Richard Phillips, No. 71 St. Paul’s Church Yard.” Engraved just under the portrait is  “Stuart pinxt.” at left and “Fittler sculpt.” at right. Minor creases and previous fold line at top right corner. An inked inscription by a past owner, “By Longhi,” is in the bottom right margin. 

Engraving is archivally framed with acid-free mats, UV glass, and a custom gold beaded wooden frame. 

Dimensions: 12 3/4" H x 9 3/8" W x 1" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.