Washington Related
1856 Silk George Washington Portrait with "First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Countrymen"
1856-Dated, "George Washington" Woven Silk Portrait, after Gilbert Stuart, Surrounding legend reads; "First in War - First in Peace - and First in the Hearts of his Countrymen*" Lyon (France), Very Fine.
This original 1856 dated, George Washington Silk Portrait measures a large 22" x 16" and has the date and "LYON" text within the lower image area. It has been taped at some of its extreme outer edges so as to be tipped to a heavy cardboard backing with cello type tape. There are two small areas of moderate humidity tone outside the central portrait image itself, plus some light edge wear, small scattered outer edge splits up to 2" long or so and tone spots.
This historic portrait of Washington is after the famous painting by Gilbert Stuart. This large Silk has a highly ornate and decorative relief border, with a wonderful, large Heraldic American Eagle above. It is apparently a machine woven period piece that is rarely ever seen.
The manufacturer is not identified, and there is a sewn monogram "JR" is within the lower pattern. This is an exceedingly rare 1856 Silk George Washington Portrait is the very first of this type we have offered. A great museum type item that is an excellent candidate for proper framing, as it would make a fabulous display.