Washington Building Mount Vernon

Image description:

The image shows a beige, two-story house sitting in grass with the Potomac River background. The house has a red roof that contains three dormer windows and a chimney on either end.

The front of the house has five windows spanning the second floor, and four windows spanning the first floor (with a door in the middle). The house has a section on the right that in the process of being built - it consists of the basic framework of a house and a red roof. There is a small building to the right side that also contains a red roof and three dormer windows.

Martha Washington is in the background, staring into the distance. George Washington on the right-hand side next to a tree covered in red fabric. He is sitting in a chair, looking over architectural plans.

When looking at this image, consider the following questions:

• What year do you think this picture would have taken place? (Hint: look at Mount Vernon's renovations!)
• Why do you think the artist decided to create this picture?
• Who is this picture missing? What people would have been involved in this renovation?
• Why do you think Washington wanted to renovate his house?