Gilbert Stuart
George Washington [The Constable-Hamilton Portrait]

• How do portraits tell a story?
• What is the artist communicating about American leaders? How is this portrait a representation of the American presidency?
• Why is the setting important in this portrait? What does the setting and background objects represent in the story of America?

Does this image of George Washington look familiar? The face of Washington on the one-dollar bill was based on another, similar painting by Gilbert Stuart. This painting helped establish an image of the first president as a powerful leader.

The painting also reflects friendship among the nation’s leading citizens. The merchant William Kerin Constable asked Stuart to paint this portrait as a gift for his friend Alexander Hamilton, who served as Secretary of the Treasury under Washington.

• What qualities make a good president? How much power should the president have?
• Who are some of the “heroes” of American history? What do we think about their legacy?  How does time change our understanding of someone’s legacy? What does George Washington symbolize today?
• Is portraiture still relevant? How are social and political leaders represented today?