George Washington American President Portrait Bust by Houdon 11H

A Washington Houdon Bust: The Likeness Taken from Life

This Washington Houdon bust preserves a face the sculptor studied from life at Mount Vernon. It stands 11 in high in cast resin, with a bronze finish and a black base.

Jean-Antoine Houdon made the original in 1785. This Washington Houdon bust follows it closely. Many art historians call it the most authentic rendering of George Washington.

Product Details

• Material: Cast resin
• Finish: Bronze, with black base
• Dimensions: 11 in H x 7 in W x 5 in D
• Weight: 4.2 lbs
• Origin: Made in USA
• Style: Bronze Washington desk bust, first president statue
• Product number: 314B

A Commission from Virginia

The legislature of Virginia commissioned a statue of Washington. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin arranged for Houdon to make it.

Houdon reached Mount Vernon on October 2, 1785, with three assistants. He stayed about two weeks.

A Face Cast in Plaster

About October 10, Houdon made a life mask of Washington in plaster. Washington lay still with straws in his nose, so the sculptor measured the eyes by caliper.

Houdon gave Washington the clay bust as a gift. It is still at Mount Vernon. The Houdon Washington statue went to the Virginia Capitol in Richmond.

This first president statue in bust form joins the American Presidents Collection. A bronze Washington desk bust also suits a study.

Display and Care

At 4.2 lbs, the Washington Houdon bust sits well on a desk, shelf, or bookcase. Dust the bronze Washington desk bust with a soft dry cloth. Keep it away from damp air.

Jean-Antoine Houdon in Brief

Houdon was the leading French portrait sculptor of his day. The Houdon Washington statue in Virginia and his busts still set the standard image of Washington.

For More Reading from the Web

• Follow Houdon's two weeks at Mount Vernon, from life mask to the clay bust Washington kept. Jean-Antoine Houdon - George Washington's Mount Vernon
• See how the 1785 life mask was made, straws and all, at the Morgan Library. George Washington Life Mask - The Morgan Library and Museum