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  EXTRAORDINARILY MINIATURE PAINTING OF GEORGE WASHINGTON ON IVORY, AFTER JOHN TRUMBULL (WASHINGTON BEFORE THE BATTLE OF TRENTON), CA 1876, LARGE SCALE
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EXTRAORDINARILY MINIATURE PAINTING OF GEORGE WASHINGTON ON IVORY, AFTER JOHN TRUMBULL (WASHINGTON BEFORE THE BATTLE OF TRENTON), CA 1876, LARGE SCALE:

This exceptional miniature watercolor and gouache painting is executed on a large scale, oval, ivory panel. Signed "W. Richard, fecit [Latin for "he rendered it]", the image is after the famous 1792 work by artist John Trumbull, Washington's aide-de-camp, that depicts our beloved general-in chief before the Battle of Trenton.

The work was completed sometime in the centennial era (1876). Seldom have I seen paintings of Washington this small and this detailed in any period for sale on the open market. Unlike smaller, 18th century works, and those dating to the 1st quarter of the 19th century, later miniatures on ivory are sometimes larger and contain Victorianized elements, such as the angelic features seen here in the general's face. Though it may or may not have been painted abroad, large ivory panels, like this one, which is very fine, bordering on paper thin, could not be produced in the States. So it would have been cut in France or England.

While the first name remains unknown, W. Richard, does not appear to be a listed painter, but was clearly talented. Though not a master of the trade, he or she probably trained in France, based on the general overtones and style. Though there are many smaller differences, the most notable alteration in the image is the color of Washington's horse (probably one of two, either "Nelson" or "Blueskin", who accompanied him throughout the war). In Trumbull's painting the horse is brown, but on the ivory by W. Richard it is white. Also note how only one-half of the horse is present on the Richard; the execution is great but the back half of the horse forgotten.

Mounting: The work has been placed in an oval, gilded molding, with a raised center, that dates to the period between 1830 and 1870. The background is 100% cotton, black in color, which was washed and treated to set the dye. The ivory was affixed with 100% clear silicone, which is archival and won't leech into the panel.

Condition: Several splits in the ivory were professionally mended with archival materials. There is only one small area of in-painting, located at the base of the trees where they meet the wagon wheel. The quality and visual strength of the work preclude these issues. The splits in the ivory are expected due to its scale and thickness.
   
Primary Color: multicolored
Earliest Date: 1870
Latest Date: 1880
For Sale Status: Sold
Price Please call (717) 676-0545 or (717) 502-1281
E-mail: info@jeffbridgman.com
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