1800 Engraved Landsdowne Portrait George Washington James Heath Gilded Frame

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This portrait was produced shortly after President George Washington's death in 1799 and dates to 1800. Gilbert Stuart, the painter, … Read more This portrait was produced shortly after President George Washington's death in 1799 and dates to 1800. Gilbert Stuart, the painter, was misattributed in this version as "Gabriel Stuart" (lower left citation). Uncolored engraving. Image measures 22" x 14". Watermarks on paper at frames edge on lower edge. Age related foxing on margins. Original gilt gilded gold frame included in very good antique condition. Framed the item measures  25 x 17".

This elegant portrait of George Washington is based on a famous 1796 painting by Gilbert Stuart. Known as the Lansdowne Portrait, as it was owned by the Marquis of Lansdowne, it features a standing Washington surrounded by objects relating to his public life.

James Heath acquired permission to engrave the painting from the Marquis, but supposedly failed to consult Stuart before publishing it. He also, either erroneously or by design, identified the painter as 'Gabriel Stuart'. Stuart, distressed about the loss of artistic control and perhaps also the loss of income, publicly complained. He supposedly also drafted a letter to Lansdowne which was never sent. For the rest of his life, Stuart was distressed about other possible unauthorized versions of his portrait. As far as Heath was concerned, this probably became one of his most well known portrait engraving.

James Heath (1757 - 1834) was a London based stipple and line engraver who engraved book illustrations for prominent publishers of the time. He is also known for issuing prints of famous painters, including John Singleton Copley's "Death of Major Peirson", as well as re-engraving William Hogarth's plates. He was also the Historical Engraver to His Majesty from 1793 to 1834. See less