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Monumental Eyes is a portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States, often referred to as the Father of our country. It is one of the Eyes of American History series. Washington was a plantation owner who served in the French and Indian Wars under the British. When the Continental Congress started to meet to discuss how to deal the heavy  handed policies of Great Britain, Washington started attending the meetings in his military uniform and advocating for independence. After war broke out, Washington was given the command of the Continental army and led them on a campaign of attrition which, with the added support of the French, brought the British to the bargaining table and independence for the fledgling nation. But his greatest achievement was not his brilliant campaign against the British, the most powerful nation on earth at the time. It was something that he didn’t do that is his most important legacy. After being elected President and serving two terms, he went home and relinquished his power. The precedent was critical for the new republic and the continuation of democratic principles. Had he decided to do as Cromwell or Napoleon and held onto power after committing to a new order, the American experiment would have had a far different outcome.

I have painted this portrait with a patina imitating stone or marble as it is he has been memorialized so often in sculpture and relief carvings. Ironically, he was adamant about not having his image on coinage during his lifetime. He saw it as a vain attempt by those in power to ingratiate the public with their persona and elevate their status. This was contrary to the citizens’ republic he had fought so hard to establish. His duty to principal was what made him a great man.