Apotheosis of Washington, 1802
The central figure in this allegory is George Washington, whose virtues, accomplishments, and immortality were thought to be those of America. Assisted by Father Time,
the spiritual and temporal Genius, and by Immortality, he rises from the tomb. At his
feet is America, holding a staff supporting the Cap of Liberty and weeping over his
armor. An Indian is crouched in sorrow. The Christian symbols of Faith, Hope, and
Charity appear in the background. In addition to national, classical, and Christian references are two personal items relating to Washington’s life—medals of the Order of
Freemasons and the Society of the Cincinnati.
This engraving by James John Barralet was the culmination of the eighteenthcentury image of Washington. Beloved, if not worshipped, by his countrymen, George
Washington is universally regarded as one of the greatest men who ever lived. (Courtesy of the Library of Congress.)