"Washington Departing Mount Vernon," Mezzotint Engraving, 1800, After the painting by Jeremiah Paul, Jr. (1720-1820), 24 x 18 in., hand-colored; in frame 36 x 30 in. Engraved by Edward Bell and published by Atkins and Nightingale, 1800. Depicting George Washington taking leave of his family in 1794 to take command of 15,000 volunteer militia in Pennsylvania to put down the Whiskey Rebellion. Washington is in his uniform and standing on Mount Vernon's portico. He holds a riding whip is in his left hand; his right hand reaches toward Mrs. Washington in a sign of farewell. In the background, a slave is waiting with Washington's saddled horse. Behind Martha are all three of Washington's adopted children: Elizabeth, George Washington and Eleanor Custis. A wonderfully executed mezzotint.
Jeremiah Paul Jr. was a Philadelphian who studied under Charles Willson Peale and his son Rembrandt Peale. Paul was one of the founders of the first major art exhibition in America, the Columbian exhibition, in Philadelphia in 1795. In 1803, Paul left Philadelphia and traveled around the country painting miniatures, portraits, signs, and conducting exhibitions. He died in St. Louis. Ex Claude Harkins Collection.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,500
The Claude Harkins Collection of Washingtonia and Other Historical Highlights
