George Washington 1840 - 1883

Emile Dupont-Zipcy painted this enamel portrait of George Washington, but we don't know exactly when. The act of placing a celebrated figure like Washington on a decorative plate is a fascinating insight into the power of imagery and how it's used to reinforce cultural values. Looking at the time it was made, in the mid-to-late 19th century, allows us to understand it better. Following the Civil War, America was in a state of flux, grappling with its identity. What better way to assert national unity than by idealizing its founding father? Washington, in this context, becomes a symbol, an icon reproduced on everyday objects to solidify a shared national narrative. To fully appreciate this piece, consider the social and political landscape of post-Civil War America. Contemporary newspapers, political pamphlets, and even household ephemera from the period can provide valuable context. By doing so, we see how art, even in its most functional forms, can be a powerful tool in shaping social memory.