Dedicated to the Glorious Memory of George Washington and His Virtues
Name/Title
Dedicated to the Glorious Memory of George Washington and His VirtuesEntry/Object ID
VC.59.256 a-bDescription
Engraving, entitled: "Dedicated to the Glorious Memory of George Washington, and His Virtues": at upper left, American eagle, with shield, arrows, and olive, bears banner: "From Washington Came my Chief Glory;" beneath eagle, pedestal with scroll and rose garland, inscribed: "American Decree of Independence," "Blessed are the fruits of rational Liberty," "May posterity this ever support or perish in its ruin;" on a second pedestal, seated figure of Liberty, with cap on staff, "American Constitution," and ": Founded on Virtue for National Prosperity;" at center, below flying trumpeting angel, large body of text, given hereafter; at right, pedestal, with wreath formed of drums, muskets, cannons, etc., containing, "May those who have truely honored the Son in obtaining Fair Freedom rest in Immortal Glory," above which, "Ye True Americans! Never resign their Precious Acquirements but with Life," beneath wreath of arms, a masonic-decorated urn marked, "Sacred Love," and garlanded with roses, then, "To the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington." Beneath title, "Levi Stutson del." & J. Hill, sc." Central Text:"What Heart but glows at his exalted deeds. As pondering memory his greatness reads? That sacred gift, enriched by these dear lines. An ample proof of virtuous Wisdom shines: (George Washington-Farewell Address) "Though in reviewing the incidents of my administration I am unconscious of intentional errors, I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I have committed many errors. Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to arrest or mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence, and that after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest."Artwork Details
Medium
Ink, Paper, Ink, paperMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
John HillAttribution
EngraverArtist
Levi StutsonAttribution
ArtistDate made
circa 1799Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionTranscription
See descriptionOther Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
VC.59.256 A-B
VC.59.256