Lot 2001: John Rubens Smith American, 1775-1849 George Washington

John Rubens Smith
American, 1775-1849
George Washington
Inscribed on old labels affixed to the backing Exhibited at Van Cortlandt/Museum and/recorded in Frick Library/NY City and John Reuben Smith/Son of John R. Smith.../worked in 1812.
Watercolor heightened with gouache on paper laid down on board
Sight 7 1/8 x 5 1/4 inches

Exhibited:
New York, Van Cortlandt Museum (possibly)

Between 1810 and 1840, painter and printmaker John Rubens Smith traveled the eastern seaboard of the United States, capturing the energy of a vibrant new nation in drawings of buildings and towns, and exacting watercolor portraits. Among his chosen subjects were the United States Capitol, Independence Hall and George Washington's tomb at Mount Vernon. His watercolor portrait of George Washington, executed largely in black and white with touches of color, depicts a revered historical figure as iconic as the American landmarks the artist favored.