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"Washington Delivering His Inaugural Address" Engraving by H. S. Sadd, 1860
$3,500
£2,692.43
€3,125.15
CA$4,935.84
A$5,528.97
CHF 2,904.01
MX$67,230.45
NOK 36,774.28
SEK 34,908.68
DKK 23,324.20
About the Item
Presented is a patriotic engraving titled “Washington Delivering His Inaugural Address. April 1789, in the old City Hall, New-York.” The print was engraved by Henry S. Sadd, after a painting by Tompkins H. Matteson. The print is a second state, published in New York by William Pate circa 1860.
The engraving depicts President George Washington delivering his first Inaugural Address to the House and Senate, on April 30, 1789. The members of Congress and key political and military leaders are arranged around a noble and inspiring Washington, who stands on the dais in the center of the composition. They are convened in the Senate Chamber of New York City Hall, then dubbed “Federal Hall.” Federal Hall served as the temporary U.S. Capitol from 1785 until 1790.
Although not required by the Constitution, George Washington presented his inaugural address after he was sworn in as President, starting a tradition that every President has since followed. Washington started the speech by humbly submitting to the great and important call to duty, when "summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love." He offered encouragement to members of Congress as they began their historic “experiment” in republican government. He also offered advice, and called for the use of constitutional amendments to satisfy citizens demanding a Bill of Rights. He spoke of a need to guarantee “the characteristic rights of freemen” without undermining the unity of the nation and the effectiveness of the federal government.
He stressed “I behold the surest pledges, that as on one side no local prejudices, or attachments—no separate views, no party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests; so, on the other, that the foundations of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of free government, be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world—I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love of my country can inspire.” He closed by asking for a “divine blessing” for the both American people and their elected representatives.
First published in 1849 and then re-issued again in 1860, this print was created during a time of growing national pride and a romanticized view of the Founding Fathers. The deliberate arrangement of figures underscores the unity and collaboration required to build the fledgling nation. This was an important message to the American people, currently teetering on the verge of a Civil War.
Tompkins H. Matteson studied and exhibited at the National Academy of Design. He started as a portrait painter in Sherburne, New York, before moving in 1841 to New York City. In 1850, he returned to Shelburne, where he spent the remainder of his life. His work blended American genre and historical subjects. His most famous work is “The Spirit of ‘76,” but he produced many other wonderful historical, genre, and religious images. Several of his paintings were published as prints.
CONDITION:
Expertly repaired tear into image from top with light stain in top margin. Else, very good condition. 18 x 24 3/4.
Framed Dimensions: 29 1/4"H x 33 3/4"W x 1"D.
Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.
- Dimensions:Height: 29.25 in (74.3 cm)Width: 33.75 in (85.73 cm)Depth: 1 in (2.54 cm)
- Style:Federal (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1860
- Condition:Additions or alterations made to the original: Archival framing by Artem Art Services in Colorado Springs, CO, in July of 2025. Repaired: Small tear, repaired by previous owner. Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Colorado Springs, CO
- Reference Number:Seller: PR5201stDibs: LU909746082582
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