Gilbert Stuart 1848

This is a bronze medal of Gilbert Stuart by Salathiel Ellis. It immortalizes Stuart, one of the foremost portrait artists in early America, known particularly for his iconic, albeit unfinished, portrait of George Washington. Ellis created this medal during an era captivated by the preservation of legacies. Consider the social and political landscape of the 19th century; the United States was a nation forging its identity. The cultural elite sought to immortalize its heroes through various art forms. Stuart, by capturing the likenesses of the nation's founders, played a pivotal role in constructing America's visual history. The choice of bronze as a medium lends a sense of permanence, a statement of the sitter's lasting impact. As you observe the profile, think about how the artwork reflects societal values, and how it shapes our understanding of historical figures. It serves as a material embodiment of memory, inviting us to contemplate the stories we choose to remember and how we choose to tell them.