This portrait of George Washington was engraved by James Heath after a 1797 painting by Gilbert Stuart. It is commonly referred to as the “Lansdowne” portrait as it was commissioned as a gift to the Marquis of Lansdowne, William Petty, from William Bingham, a wealthy merchant and Senator. Gilbert Stuart, considered one of America’s best portraitists, was introduced to Washington by John Jay. Stuart’s most famous work, The Athenaeum Portrait, is the basis for Washington’s image on the $1 bill. James Heath was a historical engraver in service of King George III and made engravings of many famous paintings and portraits. In remembrance of Washington’s death on December 14, 1799, take our John Jay & George Washington Thematic Tour offered Thursday through Saturday at 2pm throughout the month of December.