Apotheosis of George Washington 1830 - 1850

Heinrich Weishaupt created this print of the “Apotheosis of George Washington” sometime in the mid-19th century. The image reflects a society grappling with its identity in the wake of revolution and the construction of a new nation. The print depicts Washington being carried to the heavens by a group of classical figures, as mourners grieve at a memorial below. This scene is less about historical accuracy and more about the symbolic elevation of Washington to near-divine status. The artist draws on classical and religious tropes to construct an image of power and veneration. The figures below Washington’s ascent are all women, a choice which reflects the gendered expectations of grief and mourning in this period. Their exaggerated emotional displays underscore the significance of Washington’s passing, while also reinforcing the limited roles assigned to women in public life. The apotheosis became a way to sanctify a national hero, but also to reinforce societal hierarchies. It prompts questions about who gets remembered, how they are remembered, and who gets to do the remembering.