WASHINGTON , United States — The George Washington statue by Horatio Greenough at the Smithsonian American History Museum. This neoclassical sculpture, completed in 1841, depicts the first President of the United States seated and was commissioned to celebrate the centennial of Washington's birth. The statue is a prominent piece in the museum's collection, reflecting early American artistic endeavors.
Photograph by David Coleman. The George Washington statue by Horatio Greenough, displayed in the Smithsonian American History Museum, is a striking neoclassical sculpture from 1841. It depicts Washington seated, bare-chested and muscular, draped in a toga-like garment. His right arm is raised in a gesture of renunciation, while his left hand holds a sheathed sword, handle forward, symbolizing the passing of power to the people. The statue's classical style, reminiscent of Zeus, sparked controversy when unveiled due to its semi-nude depiction of the first president. Originally placed in the Capitol Rotunda, it now resides in the Smithsonian. This piece offers insights into early American art, the veneration of Founding Fathers, and the complex relationship between American identity and classical imagery in 19th-century sculpture. It stands as a significant artifact, reflecting evolving perceptions of historical figures in American culture.
Size: 8256px × 5504px
Location: National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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