James Sharples, c. 1751 - 1811 - George Washington - c. 1796 - T-Shirt

This is a pastel portrait of an older man seen in profile, his powdered grey wig and black coat set against a quiet grey ground.

Visual Elements & Composition

Slate grey fills most of the picture and sets the tone. Near-black defines the coat and the contours of the features, while pearl grey lightens the wig and the white cravat. Deep blue and flesh tones appear only in small accents, giving the face its warmth. The head and shoulders turn to one side, with no background detail, so the profile carries the whole image.

Meaning & Symbolism

The catalogue identifies the sitter as George Washington, who led the Continental Army during the War of Independence and served as the first President of the United States. Made around 1796, near the close of his presidency, the portrait presents civic restraint and public duty, qualities his contemporaries repeatedly attributed to him. The profile view follows medallic and classical convention, which underlines a composed, dignified public character rather than an informal likeness. James Sharples (c. 1751-1811), an English portraitist, worked in pastel and oil during his years in America, painting leading figures of the Federal period.

Wearing the Portrait

A profile bust suits the chest of a tee. Worn, the figure faces sideways from the wearer's shoulders, so the restrained grey palette sits quietly beside whatever else is in the wardrobe. The design asks for little attention and rewards a closer look at the soft transitions in the pastel and the sharp black of the coat.