George Washington 1838 - 1844

Hiram Powers crafted this marble bust of George Washington during the 19th century, a period rife with debates about national identity and the legacy of the founding fathers. Powers, like many artists of his time, looked to classical antiquity for inspiration, draping Washington in a Roman toga. This choice elevates Washington to the status of a republican hero, linking American democracy with the ideals of ancient Rome. However, this artistic decision also reflects the complex relationship between the ideals of liberty and the realities of slavery in the early American republic, reminding us that the freedoms Washington fought for were not extended to all. As you gaze upon this bust, consider the narratives it both constructs and conceals, and the ongoing dialogue it invites about the meaning of American identity.