Thomas Clarke
Sacred to the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington

Sacred to the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington

Public Domain

Sacred to the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington
ArtistAmerican, active 1797–1801
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Sacred to the Memory of the Illustrious G. Washington
Date1801
PlaceBoston, Massachusetts, United States
MediumStipple engraving on laid paper
DimensionsPlate: 8 5/8 × 8 1/8 in. (21.9 × 20.6 cm)
Sheet: 9 1/8 × 8 7/8 in. (23.2 × 22.5 cm)
Frame (outer): 10 7/8 × 10 5/16 in. (27.7 × 26.2 cm)
Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Jas A. Gundry
Object numberB.2005.8
Not on view

Explore Further

Department
Bayou Bend
Object Type
Description

George Washington’s death on December 14, 1799, sparked a wave of mourning among American citizens, which has never been equaled. The passing of the first president was marked by a flurry of memorial services, processions, mock funerals, the publication of over 400 eulogies and funeral orations, and the creation of a staggering number of prints and memorial embroideries. These tributes extolled Washington’s virtues, encouraging Americans to emulate his character and preserve the strength of the new republic.

Thomas Clarke, who had worked in New York City but was then working in Boston, engraved this memorial to Washington in 1801. Its classical imagery, which includes an obelisk and weeping willow, are typical of the neoclassical period, as are the mourners, sobbing pathetically into their handkerchiefs. One of the mourners carries an anchor (a traditional symbol of hope, steadfastness, or salvation) and points heavenward. The likeness of Washington on the obelisk is based on Gilbert Stuart’s portrait of the president. The obelisk is inscribed “There is rest in heaven.”


ProvenanceJas A. Gundry, Houston; given to MFAH, 2005.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Recto: Inscribed in printed ink, in plate, lower center: T. Clarke Sculpt. 1801 Boſton. / SACRED to the MEMORY of the ILLUSTRIOUS G. WASHINGTON.
Recto: Inscribed in printed ink, in plate, right center: G. WASHINGTON / there is / rest in / HEAVEN.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Consecrated to the Memory of Gen. Alexander Hamilton
John Scoles
c. 1805
Stipple engraving and line engraving on wove paper
B.2019.8
Congress Voting Independence
Edward Savage
c. 1795
Stipple and line engraving on laid paper
B.91.45
Thomas Jefferson
James Akin
1800
Stipple engraving on laid paper, artist's proof
B.2008.8
The Washington Family
Edward Savage
1798
Stipple engraving and line-cut engraving on wove paper
B.2004.41
Overall recto.
Henry William Bunbury
1779
Stipple engraving with etching, engraving, and drypoint on laid paper
2024.12
His Most Gracious Majesty King George the Third
Benjamin Smith
1804
Stipple engraving and engraving on wove paper
B.2018.3
The Burial of General Fraser
William Nutter
1794
Stipple engraving, engraving, and etching printed in colors à la poupée on wove paper
B.2017.16
Pieds, Cahier 11, Plate 3
Amédée Bourgeois
c. 1813
Stipple engraving on laid paper
2016.326
Overall recto.
Henry William Bunbury
1781
Etching and stipple engraving with drypoint on laid paper
2024.11
Overall recto.
Henry William Bunbury
1781
Stipple engraving with etching and drypoint on laid paper
2024.9
Overall recto.
Henry William Bunbury
1781
Stipple engraving with etching and drypoint on laid paper
2024.10