Sculptor Horatio Greenough intended this statue (1841) to depict George Washington as a Roman republican, modeled after figures like Cincinnatus, to emphasize civic virtue and his rejection of kingship.
Unfortunately, the neoclassical style and the half-naked throne pose made Washington look less like a humble citizen soldier and more like a Roman god emperor, which is why the statue was widely mocked and eventually removed from prominent displa
Pesec1 on
Given Washington’s impact on the War of Independence, he was, at least in terms of his ability to control Colonies’/US armed forces, a de-facto monarch. Whether he wanted that or not.
It was his choice to both reject the title and to quit President’s office as soon it was possible that set up USA as a stable republic.
Effective-Toe-8108 on
Looking back at it, George was pretty Zeus-like
Goofcheese0623 on
I’m going to call not natty on this one
Echo__227 on
I believe I saw this statue (or similar) at the Smithsonian in 8th grade. My immediate reaction was laughter.
It’s just so ridiculous. It doesn’t capture the spirit of the revolution to show what a hottie Washington was.
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Sculptor Horatio Greenough intended this statue (1841) to depict George Washington as a Roman republican, modeled after figures like Cincinnatus, to emphasize civic virtue and his rejection of kingship.
Unfortunately, the neoclassical style and the half-naked throne pose made Washington look less like a humble citizen soldier and more like a Roman god emperor, which is why the statue was widely mocked and eventually removed from prominent displa
Given Washington’s impact on the War of Independence, he was, at least in terms of his ability to control Colonies’/US armed forces, a de-facto monarch. Whether he wanted that or not.
It was his choice to both reject the title and to quit President’s office as soon it was possible that set up USA as a stable republic.
Looking back at it, George was pretty Zeus-like
I’m going to call not natty on this one
I believe I saw this statue (or similar) at the Smithsonian in 8th grade. My immediate reaction was laughter.
It’s just so ridiculous. It doesn’t capture the spirit of the revolution to show what a hottie Washington was.
***A certain president taking notes***