George Washington 1830 - 1883

This bronze bust of George Washington was created by Achille Collas, a 19th-century French artist. This image of Washington exemplifies the politics of imagery. Note the stern and stoic gaze that was popularized at the time. Collas' artwork invokes an idealized vision of the first president, and reflects the American desire to create founding myths of national identity. By creating his bust in bronze, Collas imbues the sculpture with an aura of timelessness and grandeur. The bust commemorates Washington’s role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. It speaks to a conservative desire to cement the legacy of America’s founding fathers. By considering aspects of American history, political science, and the history of sculpture, we can better understand the cultural and political significance of Washington’s image.