George Washington Portrait – The Look Back – PBS Wisconsin Education

What does this portrait of George Washington tell us about Wisconsin and American history?

This 1854 painting of George Washington by Philadelphia artist Thomas Sully is based on another painting of George Washington done in 1796 by artist Gilbert Stuart. Many artists made copies of this image, and it has become one of the most famous portraits in American history. For the Wisconsin Historical Society, a copy of Washington’s portrait was a way of linking the young state to the bigger story of America.

Let's take a look

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Questions to consider

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How is a portrait of George Washington painted by a well-known Philadelphia artist connected to Wisconsin history?

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Who painted the most famous portrait of George Washington? What did the artist, and other artists do after the portrait was first made and why?

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When Janine, Nick, and Taylor talk about George Washington’s portrait being iconic, what do you think they mean by that? What did his image mean to people in the decades after it was painted and why?

Meet the historians

Man with reddish-blond hair, mustache, and round glasses speaking in front of a historical portrait.

Nick Hoffman

Public Historian

I get to share our fascinating history and culture with the world!

Man with reddish-blond hair, mustache, and round glasses speaking in front of a historical portrait.

Nick Hoffman

Public Historian

Sadly, no. Just a caricature drawing done at a mall in the mid-1990s.

Casual clothing next to my favorite bicycle.

James Vincent Crouch’s painting of the 2021 NBA Championship Milwaukee Bucks, commissioned by Brook Lopez.

Woman with glasses and a floral blazer speaking, neutral background.

Janine Yorimoto Boldt

Curator

I believe art is a great way to connect with other people–both past and present.

Woman with glasses and a floral blazer speaking, neutral background.

Janine Yorimoto Boldt

Curator

No, but I think it would be fun to have an artist like Gilbert Stuart paint my portrait.

I would dress up in my favorite outfit and include books, my dogs, flowers, and a cup of coffee — some of my favorite things!

My favorite Wisconsin painting is the landscape painting of the Martin Luetscher farm by Paul Seifert, ca. 1875.

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Joe Kapler

Curator of Cultural History

Being a curator lets me play the role of detective every day I’m working.

Man with a trimmed beard and rectangular glasses smiling while speaking, golden frame in background.

Joe Kapler

Curator of Cultural History

When I was a child, I sat for a portrait at a festival.

My work gloves.

My favorite Wisconsin painting is the landscape painting of the Martin Luetscher farm by Paul Seifert, ca. 1875.

Woman in a floral-patterned blazer gesturing while speaking indoors.

“George Washington's image is very plain. And that was done on purpose. He wanted to be seen as of the people and not as a monarch.”

Janine Yorimoto Boldt

Episode credits

Producer
David Boffa
PBS LearningMedia

Hosts
Taylor L. Bailey
Nick Hoffman

Special Guest
Janine Yorimoto Boldt
Joe Kapler

Research and Writing
David Boffa
Tori Charnetzki
Kylie Compe
Ian Glodich
Ryan Hendricks

Videography
David Boffa
Tori Charnetzki
Kylie Compe
Ian Glodich

Editing
David Boffa
Ian Glodich

Captioning
Catie Pfeifer

Translation Services
Rev

Educator Support Materials
David Boffa
Mia Forslund
Jen Kobylecky

Web Design
Charles Barrows
Erika Kachama-Nkoy

Web Development
John Vieth

Digital Content
Mark Riechers

Graphic and Motion Design
Charles Barrows
Ian Glodich
Danielle Riseley

Additional Production Support
Andy LaValley

Executive Producer
Ryan Hendricks

Director of Education
Megan Monday

Director of Television
Jon Miskowski

Project Partners
Rebecca M. Blank Center for Campus History
UW–Madison Libraries
Wisconsin Historical Society

Special Thanks
Atwood Atelier
Chazen Museum of Art

Funding provided by

Timothy William Trout Education Fund
a gift of Monroe and Sandra Trout

Eleanor and Thomas Wildrick Family

Focus Fund for Education

Friends of PBS Wisconsin

The Kern Family Foundation

America at 250 Partners