George Washington 

Here we see Rembrandt Peale’s portrait of George Washington. The painting is built on a strong contrast between light and dark, where Washington’s pale face and white frill vividly stand out against a dark background and coat. Peale’s use of chiaroscuro, the interplay of light and shadow, is more than a mere technique. Notice how it sculpts Washington's face, giving it a weighty, almost sculptural presence. This dramatic contrast may echo the period's fascination with Enlightenment ideals, where reason and clarity emerge from the shadows of ignorance. In contrast to the sharp, clear lines associated with Neoclassical portraiture, Peale employs softer edges, blurring the boundaries of the figure. It's an almost romantic way of looking at the subject, opening up the reading of the artwork. This is less about portraying a perfect likeness and more about capturing a certain essence. This essence, immortalised in paint, invites contemplation.