George Washington
George Washington, A National Treasure
The Portrait Kids Washington's Life Exhibition Calendar
Overview
Portrait for Kids
The Patriot Papers
Teacher Guide
Family Guide
Wallpaper
Experience... is the best rule to walk by. --George Washington to John Parke Curtis, West Point, August 24, 1779



Portrait for Kids

Take A Bow! You Found The Curtains!
The curtains and the portico (the porch-like area with the columns) follow a European tradition of so-called “state” portraits, which includes all those paintings of royal rulers, bishops, admirals, or other public figures. These portraits often include a portico-like space with a wall, columns, a curtain, and an open sky behind the figure. Since George Washington was an especially important person in the United States, the artist wanted to make sure the portrait included these kinds of clues so that the viewer would immediately know that this man was considered powerful and important.

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