Washington lying in bed surrounded by Domestics, Quaker, Physician, Lady Washington and grandchildren (as labeled under image)
Currier & Ives produced more than 100 images of George Washington and produced eight versions of the Death of Washington. This print is one of the most dramatic. A physician leans over the dead President as those Washington protected, including women (represented by his wife), children and his African-American house staff, sadly reflect on his passing. The first president of the United States, Washington was dedicated to establishing an independent nation. His General’s hat and sword, symbols of his leadership, hang on the wall. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the death bed by the various patterns on the wall, which frame the central scene, as well as the different designs on the floor and bed-covering which increase visual interest.