Auction Closing: December 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Lot Number: 125
Estimate Range: $2,400 - $3,200
1800 “Lansdowne” Engraving of President George Washington After the Original Painting by Gilbert Stuart

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February 1, 1800 Federal Period Published, “Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington” as Engraved by James Heath (1757-1834), Historical Engraver to his Majesty and to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, London., Framed, Choice Extremely Fine.

A celebrated image of president George Washington, being a large Oil Painting Lansdowne Portrait, with one example is hanging in the East Room of the White House. During the burning of Washington by British troops in the War of 1812, that painting was saved through the heroic intervention of First Lady Dolley Madison. Artist Gilbert Stuart painted 12 examples of the Portrait throughout his life. Most of the U.S. States feature an original copy of the oil painting hanging in their State Capitols. Gilbert Stuart's 1797 “Lansdowne” Portrait, also known as the “Lansdowne Portrait of George Washington” is one of the most famous and iconic portraits of George Washington serving as the first President of the United States.

This fine quality engraving is titled, “GENERAL WASHINGTON” by engraver James Heath, after the original oil painting by Stuart. It measuring 25.5 tall x 17.5” wide (by sight), and has been professionally matted and framed to 33.25” x 25.25” the engraving viewed through special UV Plexiglas. This current example appears to be a Proof, as it is printed on a heavy wove paper sheet with the outline of the original engraved plate seen faintly embossed (not removed from its frame). Overall, an excellent sharp crisp printing, never folded, in near pristine condition. Only some faint scattered tone is worthy of mention seen in the full wide outer margins. James Heath was a British engraver known for his skillful reproductions of notable artworks, including portraits of prominent figures. He is well known for this engraving after Gilbert Stuart's original “Lansdowne Portrait” of Washington. The text in the lower portion below Washington’s portrait reads:

“GENERAL WASHINGTON. --- Painted by Gabriel Stuart 1797. - Engraved by James Heath Historical Engraver to his Majesty, and to his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, from the original Picture in the Collection of the Marquis of Lansdowne. -- Published February 1, 1800 by Jas Heath No 42 Newman Street Messrs Boydells Cheapside & J. P. Thompson. Great Street, London. Copy Right secured in the United States, according to Law.”


The “Lansdowne Portrait” of President Washington was commissioned by William Petty, 1st Marquess of Lansdowne, in 1796. The purpose of the commission was to create a portrait of George Washington as a gift to outgoing President Washington from the United States Senate.

The painting is a full-length portrait, showing Washington standing in his presidential regalia, with his right hand resting on a Ceremonial Sword and his left hand holding a rolled-up document, likely a reference to the U.S. Constitution.

Gilbert Stuart, a renowned American portraitist, was commissioned to paint the Lansdowne Portrait. Stuart was famous for his portraits of many prominent figures of the American Revolution and early American history including many displayed in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building.

The painting was presented to George Washington in May 1796. It was highly praised for its elegance and the dignified portrayal of Washington.

In addition to the painting, a popular engraving was made based on Stuart's portrait. The engraving was produced by William S. Leney, an American engraver, and it became widely distributed throughout the United States. The engraving helped to further popularize the image of Washington and became an enduring symbol of American patriotism.

The Lansdowne Portrait is considered one of the most important and iconic images of George Washington. It has been reproduced countless times in various forms, including on currency, postage stamps, and other national symbols. The image continues to hold significant cultural and historical importance in the United States.