The Apotheosis of Washington(20″ x 30″) Canvas Wall Art

Description

The first president of the United States, George Washington, was born on February 22, 1732 and died on December 14, 1799. He was a hero to a young nation, a nation created on, among other things, religous freedoms. John James Barralet painted this, “The Apotheosis of Washington” or “The Commemoration of Washington” (1802-1816) It shows George Washington ascending into heaven assisted by Father Time and an angel (or “Immortality”). Shafts of light shine down from heaven through a break in the clouds as the angel and Father Time lift Washington, wrapped in a red piece of cloth or perhaps his burial shroud, from what appears to be his coffin or crypt. To the left three women (Faith, Hope, and Charity) can be seen: one holds her hand out towards him grieving; another holds two children in her arms; and a third is slumped forward on her arms weeping. Beneath Washington can be seen an American eagle, the American shield on which is written “e pluribus unum” and Liberty, whose head is bowed in sorrow. Her staff with the red phrygian cap is resting among Washington’s discarded armour and sword which lie beside a facses. In the far right bottom corner we can see a American Indian with his hatchet and arrows sitting with his head resting on his knees. On the tomb is written the words “Sacred is the Memory of Washington OB 11 Dec. – D 1799. Et. 68”.