Portrait of George Washington by Wertmüller

What it is

This is a classicist oil portrait of George Washington, painted by the Swedish artist Adolf Ulrik Wertmüller. Washington sat for the artist in Philadelphia in 1794, and this signed version dates from 1795. It is now held by the Nationalmuseum in Sweden.

Why it matters

Wertmüller travelled internationally before settling in America, where he painted portraits of notable figures including Washington. Because it was made from life while Washington was serving as president, it shows how he wished to be seen by the public during his time in office, and how European-trained artists portrayed America's new leader.

Look closer

• What does Washington's clothing and pose suggest about how he wanted to be seen?
• Why might a Swedish painter working in America have wanted to paint the sitting president?
• What does the plain background tell you about the painter's choices?