Washington's Inaugration at Philadelphia 

Jean Leon Gerome Ferris made this historical scene of Washington’s Inauguration at Philadelphia, though the exact date and medium are unknown. This image shows a momentous occasion, yet it invites us to consider how historical narratives are constructed and visualized. Ferris, working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was part of a broader movement to create a shared national identity through historical painting. The choice of subject matter—Washington's inauguration—reflects a desire to solidify national unity and celebrate the founding fathers. Yet, the scene is carefully staged; Ferris was working long after the actual event occurred. How might we read the body language, the architecture, and the display of flags as statements about the values and aspirations of the time it was created? Are there clues in the image as to what parts of the past the artist and his patrons wished to emphasize or perhaps leave out? To understand the art of Ferris fully, research on the cultural and political context of his time is essential. Only through the exploration of these social and institutional dimensions can we appreciate the complex interplay between art, history, and national identity.