Auction Closing: March 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Lot Number: 159
Estimate Range: $1,000 - $1,200
“His Exc(ellency) George Washington Esq’r. - Captain General of all the American Forces” by J. Norman Sc.(ulptor)


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c. 1776 Revolutionary War Period, an Original Early Version Engraved Print titled, “His excellency George Washington Esq'r. Captain General of all the American Forces, J. Norman Sc.” (1748-1817) Engraver, Framed, Fine.

This very rare “Original” early Engraved version was created c. 1776 being a contemporary Revolutionary War Period Print. It is titled: “His excellency George Washington Esq'r. Captain General of all the American Forces, J. Norman Sc.” (1748-1817) Engraver, and is extremely rare, About Fine. The Print measures 8” x 5” (by sight) and appears contemporarily ornately Framed in black with gold gilt surrounds to fully 9.5” x 6.5” the back of frame covered with early newsprint, toned and soiling (not viewed removed from its frame). This rare Engraved Print shows General George Washington in a full-length portrait, standing, facing left, wearing his military uniform, gesturing with right hand which is holding a swagger stick, his left hand resting on a cannon barrel, with his Tent guarded by two soldiers shown foremost, within his military encampment in the background. A subsequent version of this engraved plate, where “J. Norman Sc.” was later re-engraved being changed to “Jas Norman” was created c. 1780 to be Published in 1781 as an Illustration from: “An impartial history of the war in America, between Great Britain and the United States, from its commencement to the end of the war: ... Boston : Printed by Nathaniel Coverly and Robert Hodge, ..., 1781.” See: Baker, 419; Hart, 761.

This Engraving is also Published in the modern era reference book titled: “The American Revolution in drawings and prints; a checklist of 1765-1790 graphics in the Library of Congress / Compiled by Donald H. Cresswell, with a foreword by Sinclair H. Hitchings. Washington” : [For sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off.], 1975, no. 216. Later, similarly titled engraved versions are known, but not nearly as classic or valuable this, the “original” engraved print.

Provenance Ex: Purchased in Philadelphia Print Shop on 1/25/13 to our current consignor.

PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF

AMBASSADOR J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II