New England Day Trip: Who painted the iconic image of George Washington that appears on the US $1 dollar bill?

Gilbert Stuart is known for his portraits of US presidents, the first six, and other notably people like Thomas Jefferson. He painted over 1000 portraits but his most popular work is the “unfinished” portrait of George Washington, the FIRST President of the United States, which appears on the US$1 dollar bill, and other US stamps. This unfinished portrait is dubbed as “The Athenaeum” and it is displayed in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC.

 

 

Nowadays, the place where Gilbert Stuart was born is a museum in Saunderstown, Rhode Island, surrounded by a forest and a pond. It’s a registered historic place and here you will find the House and snuff mill where Gilbert was born and lived until he was 6 years old; a gristmill that was adjacent to the house back in the days; an herb garden & Fish ladders; and hiking trails that will reward you with a wonderful view of Carr Pond. The hike is about 35 minutes so you don’t need extreme skills to enjoy this beautiful place, I saw a deer while hiking. In the hike path, you will  also encounter a colonial graveyard known as the Benjamin Hammond cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Welcome Center houses some original painters and seasonal exhibitions and there is a tourist guide who will explain interesting details about Gilbert’s life like stories or anecdotes. My favorite one is that Gilbert used the “unfinished” portrait of George Washington to paint some 130 copies which he sold it for $100 each, he had some “business skills” besides art!

Do you have a bucket list of registered historic places to visit in the USA? if so, the Gilbert Stuart Birthplace and Museum should be in your list!

Some interesting  Facts about Gilbert and the site:

• Catherine Brass Yates: Gilbert had to painted her twice since Richard Yates  was not satisfied with the painting and argued that his wife did not look that beautiful. Gilbert acceded and re-painted Catherine. He commented that he was was given a potato and was asked to paint a peach though! This painting is exhibited in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.

• The snuff mill is believed to be the first colonial mill (this is inside the House)
• The graveyard is also a historic cemetery of Rhode Island. Benjamin Hammond and family were buried there.
• Gilbert Stuart birthplace was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965 and registered as a National Historic place a year later.

Some useful information:

• It’s open from April until Columbus day weekend.
• Pictures are only allowed outside. No pictures inside the house and the museum.
• From May to Mid June: Open from Thursday to Monday and closed: Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Mid June to August 31: Open 7 days a week.
• September: Open from Thursday to Monday and closed: Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Hours from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m Tours every hour.
• Admission fee: $10 general public, $6 children (6-12) and free for members.
• Boat Rentals available for members only.

 

Photo Gallery: