This dramatic neoclassical marble sculpture of George Washington, created by Horatio Greenough in 1840, is one of the most iconic—and controversial—artworks in American history. Commissioned by Congress to commemorate the centennial of Washington’s birth, the statue depicts the first U.S. President in the style of a Greco-Roman god, modeled after Zeus.
Washington is portrayed bare-chested, seated on a throne-like chair, with one arm raised in a gesture of command and the other hand presenting a sheathed sword. The composition drew immediate criticism when it was unveiled—viewers in the 19th century found the semi-nude portrayal irreverent and confusing. One senator famously quipped, “It makes Washington look like he’s about to take a bath.”
Originally placed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, the statue was removed due to public discomfort and eventually transferred to the Smithsonian. Today, it stands as a fascinating case study in how classical ideals were adapted—perhaps awkwardly—to American iconography.
The statue now resides in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, positioned against a copper-toned backdrop that reads “WE BUILD,” giving new meaning to its towering presence. This display contextualizes Greenough’s attempt to visually deify a founding figure and reflects evolving ideas of leadership, symbolism, and public art.
Photographed here under precise lighting and from a centered perspective, this image highlights the statue’s monumental scale, intricate carving, and its enduring ability to provoke thought and stir debate. Whether admired for its artistic ambition or critiqued for its cultural tone-deafness, Greenough’s Washington remains unforgettable.
