From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Washington's portrait

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features Derby Public Library’s copy of the half-painted portrait of George Washington. 

Gilbert Stuart was commissioned by Martha Washington in 1796 to paint both her and her husband. In the course of painting, George Washington passed away and Stuart never started to paint Martha. 

This likeness of George was used on the dollar bill for more than a century. Copies of this painting have been found hanging in schools across America.

[First posted on this date in 2018.]

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.