Live Auction Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at 10AM:
41. Jeremiah Paul (American, ? – 1820) George Washington
Leaving His Family Oil on Canvas, Circa 1800
George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was a
central and critical figure in the founding of the United States, and is
commonly referred to as father of the nation. He led America's Continental Army
to victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and in
1789 was elected the first President of the United States of America. He served
two four-year terms from 1789 to 1797, winning reelection in 1792. His devotion
to republicanism and civic virtue made him an exemplary figure among early
American politicians.
Untraced for 200 years in private hands, Sunflower Auction is proud to present
Philadelphia artist Jeremiah Paul’s historical oil-on-canvas Washington Leaving
His Family, a romantic portrait of Washington leaving Martha and his
grandchildren after President John Adams’ administration appointed him
Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief of the United States Army in 1798. The
appointment was a reaction to France’s threat of war against the United States,
and resulted in France backing away from its threat, rather than face the father
of the nation, hero of the revolution – and their one-time ally.
Beautifully executed and steeped in symbolism, the painting enshrines George
Washington as the first (and most revered) figure in the pantheon of American
heroes, and subsequently his family as a domestic symbol of the American
Revolution. A backdrop of windswept red drapes recall the universal red flag of
war, defiance and revolution as they entwine themselves between two polished
granite columns representing (and nearest to) George and Martha. Two tassels
hang down the Commander in Chief’s column, representing his pivotal role in the
accomplishment of the American Revolution, and return to duty.
Washington’s sword is carried at his side - a symbol of strength, courage and
authority, while bidding farewell to his wife with his ungloved right hand. It
would seem that Martha did not wholly approve of her husband accepting the
appointment, and this is reflected by her right hand being held firmly behind
her back.
Further confirmation of Washington’s almost metaphysical presence is found in
Paul’s depiction of the natural world around him. A mostly cloudy sky - darker
nearer the zenith than horizon, symbolizes the brewing storm brought by France’s
threat of war, while the brighter horizon symbolizes optimism about the future.
In the distance (and beneath Washington’s outstretched right hand) a Cypress
tree and Weeping Willow stand along the banks of the distant Potomac,
symbolizing the death and mourning brought by war. Furthermore, his faithful
white horse, Old Nelson, almost appears to be haloed by a cloud break above his
head.
One finds additional significance in the rare depiction of three grandchildren -
instead of the usual pair of George Washington Parke Custis (1781-1857) and
Eleanor Parke Custis (1779-1852). All were the offspring of Martha’s son - and
General Washington’s wartime aide, John “Jacky” Parke Custis (1754-1781), but
seldom was Elizabeth Parke Custis (1776-1831) depicted with her brother and
sister. Eleanor and G.W. had been sent to Mount Vernon almost immediately after
their father’s untimely death from typhoid fever at Yorktown, while Elizabeth
stayed with her mother, Eleanor Calvert.
The painting was finished in 1798 and disappeared after being sent to England in
1800 for engraver Edward Bell to copy. Copies of the engraved scene were
produced during the nineteenth century, each exhibiting distinct differences in
background, pose, coloration and shading. Life magazine profiled a copy of the
engraving that surfaced in London in 1959, and once again highlighted the “lost”
status of this, the original.
Jeremiah Paul Jr. was part of the early generation of great American artists
that included the preeminent portraitist Charles Wilson Peale, as well as other
renowned Washington portraitists Edward Savage and Gilbert Stuart. Paul received
training by the venerable Charles Wilson Peale along side his son, Rembrandt
Peale. Paul is known to have engaged in small tasks for Gilbert Stuart
including the painting of lettering in some of the latter’s portraits.
Paul is credited as one of the founders of Philadelphia’s Columbianum exhibition
of 1795. In 1796 he joined a firm that would become known as Paul, Rutter &
Clarke. By 1803 he was traveling around the country painting miniatures,
portraits, signs, and conducting exhibitions. He died near St. Louis, Missouri
on July 13, 1820.
Signed “J Paul Junr” in red to the lower left corner. Mounted in a Federal-era
gilt frame, with nameplate.
Condition Report: Bright, crisp and well preserved for its age. The painting was
professionally cleaned in the latter portion of the 20th century. UV examination
reveals a small spot of restoration above GW’s head and retouching of abrasions
in several areas. Infrared study reveals very few trace lines, indicating Paul
executed the painting mostly freehand. Texture transfer to canvas from liner is
evident. Close examination of the signature field reveals residual brown
background retouch at a few points over the original signature strokes.
This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire what some are already referring
to as a national treasure.
Size: 24.2 x 29.1 in. (61.5 x 73.9 cm.)
Provenance: Gary Hendershott Museum Consultants, Masco Corporation
Exhibition History: Portland Art Museum “The Art of Independence”, Brandywine
River Museum
Estimate: $500,000 +
Click here to view additional research on the painting (.pdf)
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