Apotheosis of George Washington

ca. 1799

Not on view

This large chalk drawing is one of two attributed to Pallière in The Met collection. They likely served as preparatory studies for an allegorical work that has not survived, created perhaps for a commemorative ceremony in Paris soon after the president’s death. Victory carries Washington into heaven while Fame, depicted twice, announces his accomplishments by trumpet and inscribes them on a pillar. At right the god Zeus’s chains have been loosened. Mourning figures on the left represent the Monarchy, Liberty, America, and Atropos, the Fate said to cut the thread of life. America, ambiguous in gender and wearing a feather skirt and headdress, bears a physiognomic resemblance to Native Americans.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

References

Title: Apotheosis of George Washington
Artist: Attributed to Etienne Pallière (French, Bordeaux 1761–1820)
Subject: George Washington (American, 1732–1799)
Date: ca. 1799
Medium: Black chalk
Dimensions: 17 15/16 x 21 3/4 in. (45.5 x 55.2 cm)
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Gift of William H. Huntington, 1883
Object Number: 83.2.1102
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

More Artwork

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Washington's Tomb, Etienne Pallière French, Black crayon and white chalk on buff paper — Washington's Tomb
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Study of a Seated Woman Seen from Behind (Marie-Gabrielle Capet), Adélaïde Labille-Guiard French, Red, black, and white chalk on toned laid paper — Study of a Seated Woman Seen from Behind (Marie-Gabrielle Capet)
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