George Washington
second half 19th century
Medium
Onyx and gold
Dimensions
1 3/4 × 1 3/16 in. (4.4 × 3 cm)
Classification
Lapidary Work-Gems
Culture
French
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Milton Weil Collection, 1940
Accession Number
40.20.17
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate cameo portrait of George Washington, created in the second half of the nineteenth century, exemplifies the refined art of lapidary work. Measuring just 1 3/4 by 1 3/16 inches, the piece was fashioned from onyx and gold by George Bissinger, drawing inspiration from the celebrated sculptures of Jean-Antoine Houdon. The French sculptor’s iconic likeness of Washington, captured from life in the 1780s, provided the profile that Bissinger translated into this miniature gem. Houdon’s influence is evident in the crisp, classical profile that emphasizes Washington’s dignified bearing. Wo...
About the Artist
George Bissinger|Jean Antoine Houdon ( |French) · 1848 |1741 –1908 |1828
active 1878|French, Versailles 1741–1828 Paris