c. 1850, Impressive Berlin Needlepoint of President George Washington, After Gilbert Stuart's famous “Landsdowne Portrait” painting, museum quality meant for display, Framed to fully 53” tall x 42” wide presented under glass in a gilt molded contemporary frame, Choice Extremely Fine.
This is the single largest size historical Berlin Needlepoint we have ever encountered, measuring 48.75” tall x 38.25” wide being Framed to fully 53” tall x 42” wide, meant to be displayed on a large wall. It is finely worked in brightly colored cotton thread depicting President George Washington during the final year of his presidency, this image after Gilbert Stuart's famous painted portrait known as the “Lansdowne Portrait”. This depiction of George Washington is in choice condition, no maker or place, overall enjoying excellent eye appeal (not examined out of its frame). The frame has some minor gilt loss from rub.

This design is Not Listed in the major reference “Threads of History / Americana Recorded on Cloth 1775 to Present”, by Herbert Collins, published by the Smithsonian. Although several other Berlin Needlepoints of Washington and Franklin are found listed and illustrated on page 132 none are stated to be of this exceptional large size. Most examples known are much smaller in size typically 20” to 38”. This current Berlin Needlepoint is the largest size example we have located and is extremely rare as such, ready to display.

The “Lansdowne Portrait” is one of the most famous and iconic portraits of George Washington, as painted by Gilbert Stuart, one of America's foremost portrait painters of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was intended as a gift to President George Washington, as a gesture of gratitude for Washington's role in guiding the nation through its early years. The portrait was completed in 1796. It is considered one of the most celebrated portraits of George Washington and is often replicated in various forms such as in this massive size Berlin Needlepoint. That painting was gifted to the first Marquess of Lansdowne, an aristocratic Englishman who was a strong supporter of American Independence, presented under glass in a gilt molded contemporary frame.

In this portrait, George Washington is depicted in a formal pose, wearing a black velvet suit with a white cravat. He holds a cane in his left hand, while his right hand rests on a table. The background features a column and a draped red curtain, giving the portrait a classical and dignified appearance. The Lansdowne Portrait is significant not only as a work of art but also as a symbol of the early American republic. It captures the image of George Washington, the first President of the United States, during a crucial period in the nation's history. The original Lansdowne Portrait is housed in the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. This example is Museum quality.