George Washington American President Portrait Bust by Houdon Bronze Finish 24H

George Washington Bust: A Presidential Portrait by Houdon

This George Washington bust is a faithful replica of the original created by French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon. It stands 24 in H and carries a bronze finish over cast compound stone. The piece brings a documented likeness of the first American president into any home or office.

How the Original George Washington Statue Was Commissioned

In 1784, the Congress of Virginia passed a resolution calling for a statue of President Washington for the State Capitol. Governor Harrison authorized Thomas Jefferson, then serving as Minister to France, to select a sculptor worthy of the task. Benjamin Franklin was consulted, and the choice fell on Houdon, the leading portrait sculptor of his era.

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Houdon's Visit to Mount Vernon

In July 1785, Houdon sailed for Philadelphia with Franklin and three assistants. Washington invited him to Mount Vernon soon after his arrival that September. Over two weeks, Houdon took a life mask along with plaster impressions and precise measurements of Washington's body. He carried this material back to Paris, where the finished statue was completed in 1792. It still stands at the Capitol in Richmond today.

Item Details

• George Washington portrait bust measures 24 in H x 14 in W x 12 in D. Weighs 24 lbs.
• Made from cast compound stone with a bronze finish. PN 315B
• Made in USA.

Displaying This Presidential Bust

This Houdon bust replica suits a study, library, or office shelf. Many collectors pair it with other American history pieces, including presidential busts from the same Museum Masterworks line.

For More Reading

• Mount Vernon - Jean Antoine Houdon
• Virginia State Capitol - Official Site