Rare 18th Century Painted Wax Profile Portrait of George Washington - Miniature Historical Portrait

Details

Description

Exceptional Period Portrait of America's First President in Painted Wax
An extraordinary 18th-century painted wax profile miniature of George Washington, … Read more Exceptional Period Portrait of America's First President in Painted Wax
An extraordinary 18th-century painted wax profile miniature of George Washington, representing one of the most coveted forms of early American portraiture. Wax portraits were among the most sophisticated and expensive forms of miniature art during the colonial and early Federal periods, requiring exceptional skill to execute successfully.
Historical Significance:
Profile portraits of George Washington were immensely popular during his lifetime and immediately following his presidency, as Americans sought to commemorate their revolutionary hero and first president. This piece represents the period fascination with Washington's iconic profile, which became as recognizable as any image in early American culture.
The Art of Wax Portraiture:
Painted wax miniatures required extraordinary technical skill - artists had to work quickly before the wax hardened while achieving remarkable detail and likeness. The medium allowed for subtle modeling and realistic flesh tones that made these portraits highly prized among the wealthy. Few wax portraits from this period survive due to the fragile nature of the medium.
Craftsmanship & Rarity:
The delicate technique and perishable nature of wax makes any surviving 18th-century example exceptionally rare. The profile format follows the classical tradition popular during Washington's era, when neoclassical aesthetics influenced American decorative arts.
Details:

18th century period piece
Painted wax profile portrait
George Washington subject
Framed presentation
Measures 5.25" W × 1.25" D × 7.25" H
American artistic tradition
Miniature portrait format
Museum-quality historical piece

Condition: Please inquire for detailed condition report
This remarkable piece would be the crown jewel of any collection of early American art, historical portraits, or Washington memorabilia. Museums and serious collectors prize such rare examples of period portraiture.
An extraordinary opportunity to own a museum-quality example of 18th-century American portrait art featuring our nation's most iconic founding father. See less