Athenaeum Portrait

Athenaeum Portrait
ArtistGilbert Stuart
Year1796; 228 years ago (1796)
Catalogue1980.1
MediumOil on canvas
SubjectGeorge Washington
Dimensions121.9 cm × 94 cm (48.0 in × 37 in)
LocationMuseum of Fine Arts, Boston
OwnerMuseum of Fine Arts, Boston and the National Portrait Gallery jointly
Websitewww.mfa.org/collections/object/george-washington-34341

The Athenaeum Portrait, also known as The Athenaeum, is an unfinished painting by Gilbert Stuart of United States President George Washington. Created in 1796, it is Stuart's most notable work. The painting depicts Washington at age 64, about three years before his death, on a brown background.[1] It served as the model for the engraving that would be used for Washington's portrait on the United States one-dollar bill.

A corresponding portrait of Martha Washington is also known as the Athenaeum Portrait,[2][3] and is exhibited near the painting of her husband at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

  1. ^ "George Washington (The Athenaeum Portrait)". npg.si.edu.
  2. ^ National Portrait Gallery
  3. ^ National Portrait Gallery article