Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Painter:
Blashfield, Edwin Howland 1848-1936  Search this
Aderente, Vincent 1880-1941  Search this
Subject:
Washington, George  Search this
Medium:
Oil on canvas
Type:
Paintings-Mural
Paintings
Owner/Location:
Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. Courthouse 100 North Calvert Street Baltimore Maryland 21202
Date:
1903
Notes:
Richard Murray, 1977.
Brochure of the Mural Painters, a National Society Founded 1895, New York: the Kalkhoff Company, 1916.
King, Glenn, 2008.
Weiner, Mina Rieur, ed., "Edwin Howland Blashfield: Master American Muralist," New York, NY: W. W. Norton and Company, 2009, pg. 35.
Image on file.
The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.
Summary:
Allegorical representation of the resignation of Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, which occurred in Annapolis, Maryland on Dec. 23, 1783. "Columbia is the central figure, enthroned upon a pedestal bearing the inscription "Patriae," the grateful nation at whose feet the victorius general is about to lay his commission. Immediately to the left, stands "Maryland," symbolized by her dress composed of the state colors. Behind her stands, "War" who sheathes a sword, and "Resistance to Oppression," who symbolically breaks a rod. Seated in the foreground is "History," who observes the scene. Following Wasington is "Prosperity," bearing a cornucopia, and "Commerce" carrying a caduceus. In the left panel are soldiers of the artillery, infantry and cavalry, and troops representing armed might. In the right panel are a magistrate, an officer of the allied French forces and various American officers. In both panels, the corners are closed and supported by figures of women and children."
Topic:
History--United States  Search this
Portrait male  Search this
Occupation--Political--President  Search this
Allegory--Arts & Sciences--History  Search this
Allegory--Civic--War  Search this
Allegory--Place--America  Search this
Allegory--Place--Maryland  Search this
Allegory--Quality--Wealth  Search this
Control number:
IAP 73210047
Data Source:
Art Inventories Catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museums
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:siris_ari_166147