Portret van George Washington c. 1837 - 1840

This portrait of George Washington was made by N.M. Schild, and is held at the Rijksmuseum. Here, the stoic profile of Washington is framed by symbols of power and authority. Note the elaborate military garb, replete with gold embellishments and a high, stiff collar. These are not merely details of fashion; they are potent symbols of leadership, echoing the regalia of Roman emperors. Consider, too, the classical profile, reminiscent of ancient busts of philosophers and generals. This is no accident. Artists have long employed these visual cues to imbue their subjects with an aura of timeless virtue and strength. Such symbols speak to our collective memory, tapping into deep-seated associations with heroism and national identity. The image of Washington as a steadfast, almost godlike figure persists in the American psyche, a testament to the enduring power of visual symbols to shape our understanding of history and leadership.