The Painter and the President
Gilbert Stuart's Brush with George Washington
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- $199.00
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- $199.00
Descripción editorial
George Washington hated having his portrait painted, but as president of the United States, he knew his image needed to live on. This nonfiction picture book explores how artist Gilbert Stuart created Washington’s most lasting and recognized portrait—the one that’s used on the one-dollar bill.
★ Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ Booklist, starred review
George Washington and artist Gilbert Stuart didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but both men knew the importance of legacy and the power of art. Though George disliked having his portrait painted—which took days and days to complete—he knew his place in history would require people to know his face. Fortunately, Gilbert Stuart’s unique way of painting didn’t compel his subjects to sit for hours on end—in fact, he encouraged them to move around and even bring friends to chat with. Capturing the soul of each subject, his portraits were unlike any other artists’. And Gilbert Stuart’s one-of-a-kind portrait of Washington stands the test of time—it’s the one that’s used on the one-dollar bill.
A great read for President's Day!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Albee and Innerst wittily render the backstory of the portrait of George Washington (1732–1799) that graces the U.S. one-dollar bill. Premier American portraitist Gilbert Stuart (1755–1828) wields a "dancing brush" that "captures the very soul of the person he is painting," but his initial encounter with the president left much to be desired by both parties. Washington begrudgingly agrees to give Stuart another chance, though the president would "rather sit on a horse than sit in a chair," and considers Stuart an "infernal chatterbox." The two men share an understanding of "the power of art" to capture not just likeness but legacy, and when Stuart sees Washington looking delightedly at a horse, conversation fodder is found and a famous portrait is born. Elegantly economic, always accessible prose gives a sense of the era's decorum, while sculptural acrylic, pencil, and digital artwork captures both the artistic process and the wrangling of two unique historical personalities. Secondary characters are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 7–10.
