Lot 41 email save

Jeremiah Paul Washington Family Oil on Canvas c1800

Jeremiah Paul (American, ? - 1820) George Washington Leaving His Family Oil on Canvas, Circa 1800

George Washington (February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799) was a central and critical figure in the founding of the United States, and is commonly referred to as father of the nation. He led America's Continental Army to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), and in 1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. He served two four-year terms from 1789 to 1797, winning reelection in 1792. His devotion to republicanism and civic virtue made him an exemplary figure among early American politicians.

Untraced for 200 years in private hands, Sunflower Auction is proud to present Philadelphia artist Jeremiah Paul's historical oil-on-canvas Washington Leaving His Family, a romantic portrait of Washington leaving Martha and his grandchildren after President John Adams' administration appointed him Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief of the United States Army in 1798. The appointment was a reaction to France's threat of war against the United States, and resulted in France backing away from its threat, rather than face the father of the nation, hero of the revolution - and their one-time ally.

Beautifully executed and steeped in symbolism, the painting enshrines George Washington as the first (and most revered) figure in the pantheon of American heroes, and subsequently his family as a domestic symbol of the American Revolution. A backdrop of windswept red drapes recall the universal red flag of war, defiance and revolution as they entwine themselves between two polished granite columns representing (and nearest to) George and Martha. Two tassels hang down the Commander in Chief's column, representing his pivotal role in the accomplishment of the American Revolution, and return to duty.

Washington's sword is carried at his side - a symbol of strength, courage and authority, while bidding farewell to his wife with his ungloved right hand. It would seem that Martha did not wholly approve of her husband accepting the appointment, and this is reflected by her right hand being held firmly behind her back.

Further confirmation of Washington's almost metaphysical presence is found in Paul's depiction of the natural world around him. A mostly cloudy sky - darker nearer the zenith than horizon, symbolizes the brewing storm brought by France's threat of war, while the brighter horizon symbolizes optimism about the future. In the distance (and beneath Washington's outstretched right hand) a Cypress tree and Weeping Willow stand along the banks of the distant Potomac, symbolizing the death and mourning brought by war. Furthermore, his faithful white horse, Old Nelson, almost appears to be haloed by a cloud break above his head.

One finds additional significance in the rare depiction of three grandchildren - instead of the usual pair of George Washington Parke Custis (1781-1857) and Eleanor Parke Custis (1779-1852). All were the offspring of Martha's son - and General Washington's wartime aide, John "Jacky" Parke Custis (1754-1781), but seldom was Elizabeth Parke Custis (1776-1831) depicted with her brother and sister. Eleanor and G.W. had been sent to Mount Vernon almost immediately after their father's untimely death from typhoid fever at Yorktown, while Elizabeth stayed with her mother, Eleanor Calvert.

The painting was finished in 1798 and disappeared after being sent to England in 1800 for engraver Edward Bell to copy. Copies of the engraved scene were produced during the nineteenth century, each exhibiting distinct differences in background, pose, coloration and shading. Life magazine profiled a copy of the engraving that surfaced in London in 1959, and once again highlighted the "lost" status of this, the original.

Jeremiah Paul Jr. was part of the early generation of great American artists that included the preeminent portraitist Charles Wilson Peale, as well as other renowned Washington portraitists Edward Savage and Gilbert Stuart. Paul received training by the venerable Charles Wilson Peale along side his son, Rembrandt Peale. Paul is known to have engaged in small tasks for Gilbert Stuart including the painting of lettering in some of the latter's portraits.

Paul is credited as one of the founders of Philadelphia's Columbianum exhibition of 1795. In 1796 he joined a firm that would become known as Paul, Rutter & Clarke. By 1803 he was traveling around the country painting miniatures, portraits, signs, and conducting exhibitions. He died near St. Louis, Missouri on July 13, 1820.

Signed "J Paul Junr" in red to the lower left corner. Mounted in a Federal-era gilt frame, with nameplate.

Condition Report: Bright, crisp and well preserved for its age. The painting was professionally cleaned in the latter portion of the 20th century. UV examination reveals a small spot of restoration above GW's head and retouching of abrasions in several areas. Infrared study reveals very few trace lines, indicating Paul executed the painting mostly freehand. Texture transfer to canvas from liner is evident. Close examination of the signature field reveals residual brown background retouch at a few points over the original signature strokes.

Size: 24.2 x 29.1 in. (61.5 x 73.9 cm.)

Provenance: Gary Hendershott Museum Consultants, Masco Corporation

Exhibition History: Portland Art Museum "The Art of Independence", Brandywine River Museum

Estimate: $500,000 - 1,000,000

Click here to view additional research on the painting.

Bright, crisp and well preserved for its age. The painting was professionally cleaned in the latter portion of the 20th century. UV examination reveals a small spot of restoration above GW's head and retouching of abrasions in several areas. Infrared study reveals very few trace lines, indicating Paul executed the painting mostly freehand. Texture transfer to canvas from liner is evident. Close examination of the signature field reveals residual brown background retouch at a few points over the original signature strokes.

View Sunflower Auction next auction.

Similar lots up for auction