 This
finely cast bronze sculptured plaque of George
Washington in his military uniform was cast by Costanzo
Luini, who immigrated to the United States from Italy at
the turn of the 20th century. Aside from the fact
that the engraving is extremely well done, the work
speaks at a different level, being produced by an
immigrant to United States who devoted a large part of
his artistic effort to producing patriotic American
works.
Washington's head and face are derived from the Houdon
bust of Washington which was sculpted by Jean-Antoine
Houdon from a life mask of Washington taken in 1786.
Although by the this time in his life Washington had
resigned his commission as general, Luini chose to
depict Washington in his uniform, which was not
uncommon. For example, Edward Savage depicted
Washington as President in 1792, but chose to show him
in his military uniform rather than dressed as a
civilian (IAS-00076).
John Trumbull painted Washington Before the Battle of
Trenton in 1792, commissioned by the City of Charleston,
who rejected the masterpiece painting because Trumbull
chose to depict Washington in battle rather than as
president.
Examples of this
particular sculptured plaque are scarce. It's a
rare example of patriotic Americana that likely dates to
the art deco period circa 1920-1935. |
