Gilbert Stuart

Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828), George Washington [The Constable-Hamilton Portrait], 1797
Oil on canvas, 50 × 40 in. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas. 2005.27.

Does this image of George Washington look familiar? The face of Washington on the one-dollar bill was based on another, similar painting by Gilbert Stuart. This painting helped establish an image of the first president as a powerful leader.

The painting also reflects friendship among the nation’s leading citizens. The merchant William Kerin Constable asked Stuart to paint this portrait for his friend Alexander Hamilton, who served as Secretary of the Treasury under Washington.