The Washington Family by Edward Savage - 1796

by Edward Savage - 1796

The artist has portrayed General and Mrs. Washington with their two wards, George Washington Parke Custis and Eleanor Parke Custis, grandchildren of Martha Washington by her first marriage. In the background a servant in the red-and-buff Washington livery waits in attendance. The map, to which Mrs. Washington points with her fan, is of the 'Capital City,' then being developed on the banks of the Potomac. Savage made copper plate engravings of this painting in 1798, four of which were purchased by General Washington. One of these originals may be seen in the small dining room.

The National Gallery of Art, Andrew W. Mellon Collection