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Junius Brutus Stearns
Washington on his Deathbed, 1851
Junius Brutus Stearns is best known for his series of four historical paintings depicting the life of the first President of the United States, George Washington. This image is the last in this series. Stearns' meticulous research (the artist spoke to Washington's step-grandson and read eyewitness accounts of the event) adds to the painting's heightened dramatic realism. Martha Washington stands by her husband's side, while the President's superintendent, Tobias Lear, holds his hand. Washington's friend and doctor, James Craik, stands at the foot of the bed. The figures at the right are the five servants who were present at the President's death. Stearns finished this series in 1849, the fiftieth anniversary of Washington's death. |