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1801 GEORGE WASHINGTON Memorial Print Rarity

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Historic 1801 George Washington Memorial Print Rarity

(1801) George Washington, Memorial Print, Engraved by Thomas Clarke, of Boston, Massachusetts, titled: "Sacred to the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington," Choice Very Fine.
When George Washington died on December 11, 1799, the entire nation mourned the loss of the man who had served his country as Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary army and as the country's first President. This famous 1801 engraving, by Thomas Clarke of Boston, Massachusetts, depicts three mourners to the left of an obelisk embellished with a bust of Washington. To the right is a weeping willow, a classical symbol of grief. Lettering along the bottom edge reads: "Sacred to the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington." It is well printed and very clean, with the original copper plate outline still clearly seen framing the image. There is a trivial paper wrinkle in the upper left field and some small modest tone spots in the paper at the base. This historic print measures 8.5" x 9" (sight) and is in a decorative gilt wooden frame to 16" x 16" overall. It was engraved just two years after the death of Washington. All three mourners in this image stand next to Washington's obelisk tomb, which his portrait above his engraved name and upon its base is written, "There is Rest In Heaven," below his name. This classic, extremely rare and desirable George Washington memorial print has exceptional imagery which is ready for display. One copy is located in the Boston Anthenaeum, yet it is so rare there is no record of any ever being offered by The Philadelphia Print Shop. We have only see one printed record of a torn, trimmed and repaired example having sold for $1,100 over a decade ago, in 1999. This current example is quite lovely and of museum quality.

When George Washington died on December 11, 1799, the entire nation mourned the loss of the man who had served his country as Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary army and as the country's first President. This 1801 engraving, by Thomas Clarke of Boston, Massachusetts, depicts three mourners to the left of an obelisk embellished with a bust of Washington. To the right is a weeping willow, a classical symbol of grief. Lettering along the bottom edge: "Sacred to the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington."

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