Gilbert Stuart George Washington Portrait Value Guide

The Monro-Lenox type portrait by Gilbert Stuart is a definitive piece of American iconography, capturing George Washington during his second presidential term. These oil on canvas works are highly collectible because they served as the primary visual reference for Washington's likeness, eventually influencing the imagery on the U.S. one-dollar bill.

What Is Gilbert Stuart George Washington Portrait Worth?

The typical price range for Gilbert Stuart George Washington Portrait is $150,000 - $165,000 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the oil pigment and the integrity of the original gold leaf frame.
• Documented provenance linking the specific replica to Stuart's studio between 1796 and 1800.
• The vibrancy of the 'Monro-Lenox' composition compared to other Stuart variations like the 'Athenaeum' or 'Vaughan' types.
• Historical significance of previous ownership, which can push values within or beyond the $150,000-$165,000 range.

How to Identify Gilbert Stuart George Washington Portrait?

• Verify the Monro-Lenox specific seated or half-length pose characteristic of Stuart's 1796-1800 period.
• Examine the canvas for authentic 18th-century weaving patterns and period-correct wood frames with gold leaf application.
• Look for Stuart's distinct painterly technique and fluid brushwork that defines the facial features of the first President.
• Consult provenance records to distinguish between Stuart's 75 original replicas and later 19th-century copies.

History of Gilbert Stuart George Washington Portrait

Gilbert Stuart, one of America's most famous portraitists, created several versions of George Washington's likeness. This specific 'Monro-Lenox' version was painted while Washington was in his second term as President. It is characterized by the seated or half-length pose and became the definitive image of the first President, influencing the likeness found on the United States one-dollar bill. Stuart painted approximately 75 replicas of his Washington portraits to meet the massive demand of the era.