Rembrandt Peale’s famed painted portrait of George Washington, “George Washington, Patriae Pater”, considered by many second only to Gilbert Stuart’s iconic Athenaeum portrait of the first president and variations of which hang in the Oval Office and Old Senate Chamber. Oil on canvas. In 1795, 17-year-old Rembrandt Peale was invited by his father, famed American painter Charles Willson Peale, to accompany him to a portrait sitting with President George Washington. Although young Rembrandt was not entirely satisfied with the resulting portrait of the aging Washington, it was well-received and made his debut as a portraitist. In 1822, after a trip to Paris where he was influenced by the Neoclassical style, Peale moved to New York City, where he embarked on an attempt to paint what he hoped would become the “standard likeness” of Washington; one that would encapsulate the first President’s “mild, thoughtful & dignified, yet firm and energetic Countenance” through the study of the famed Washington portraits of John Trumbull, Gilbert Stuart and his own father. His resulting work, Patriae Pater (Latin for “Father of Our Country”), completed in 1824, depicts Washington through an oval window, and is considered by many second only to Gilbert Stuart’s iconic Athenaeum portrait of Washington. This original painting was purchased by Congress in 1832 for $2,000 and currently hangs in the Old Senate Chamber. Peale went on to create several detailed variations of the portrait, including one of Washington in full military uniform that currently hangs in the Oval Office and the present example. The most successful painting of Peale’s 50-year career, it inspired John Marshall to have his portrait done by Peale in the same fashion. Framed. The entire piece measures 41 inches by 33.5 inches. In fine condition. An exceptionally desirable piece of early Americana.
