George Washington (1732-1799), after Rembrandt Peale (1778-1860) c. 1855 - 1865

Editor: Here we have Constantino Brumidi's portrait of George Washington, after Rembrandt Peale. It feels like a very formal depiction, almost god-like with that bright oval surrounding his head. What do you make of this work? Curator: Well, it's interesting how Brumidi references Peale’s original while adding his own touch, perhaps a bit of Italian flair! I see a man caught between the earthly and the… well, the heavenly. What do you think that halo suggests? Editor: Maybe an idealized version of Washington, elevated to a symbolic figure? Curator: Precisely! Brumidi’s Washington isn’t just a man; he’s an idea, an almost untouchable symbol of the nation's ideals. I love that tension between the man and the myth. Editor: It definitely gives me a new perspective. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It's all about seeing beyond the surface, isn't it?