George Washington 1784 - 1794

This miniature portrait of George Washington was painted by John Ramage, an Irish-American artist, likely during Washington's first term as President. It’s made with watercolor on ivory, a common combination for miniatures at the time. The smooth, reflective surface of the ivory lends a delicate glow to Washington's face, while the fine brushwork captures the details of his uniform and powdered hair. The gold frame, with its intricate chasing, adds to the sense of luxury and status. Painting on ivory required great skill and precision. The artist had to carefully build up layers of translucent color to achieve the desired effect. This was not only a feat of artistry, but also a display of wealth and refinement on the part of the sitter. It also was labor intensive, especially the extraction of ivory from poached animals. The choice of materials and the labor involved in its creation speak to the social and political context of the early American republic, where ideals of democracy were intertwined with displays of wealth and power. Considering the materials, making, and context of this portrait helps us understand the complex messages it conveys about leadership, identity, and the emerging nation.