George Washington 1792

Curator: Edward Savage produced this engraving of George Washington. Note the print’s dimensions, approximately 13 by 11 centimeters, now held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, he looks rather severe, doesn't he? The high collar and powdered wig, all those details rendered in such sharp, precise lines – it's a very formal presentation. Curator: Indeed. The composition adheres to a classical portrait structure; Washington is presented in an oval frame, his gaze directed to the side, suggesting thoughtful leadership. The values emphasize his authority. Editor: It’s almost as if Savage is carefully constructing an image of power and respectability, carefully controlling the narrative through line and form. You can practically hear the history books rustling! It makes you wonder about the man behind all that formality, though, doesn’t it? Curator: It is a fascinating construction, certainly. A demonstration of how art can serve ideological purposes. Editor: Absolutely! A very official window into a monumental past.