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Statue of George Washington

Boston, Italy

Statue of George Washington

George Washington is a life-size marble statue of George Washington by the English sculptor Sir Francis Chantrey created in 1826 and dedicated in November 1827. It depicts Washington as a Roman Senator and is in Doric Hall of the Massachusetts State House in Boston, Massachusetts. The Statue depicts

Washington wearing his typical general's Uniform under a Roman-style toga. The sculptor created him in this regalia to highlight Washington's role as a statesman. The statue gained much criticism from the public in its first year, as many people seemed to believe that the themes were too imperial for a freely elected man such the President of the United States. Locals as well as politicians called for the Sculpture to be removed for the symbolism. It was only until Chantrey published an article in the Boston Gazette claiming that it wasn’t a toga, but a blanket Washington was wearing to keep warm at Valley Forge, that it was accepted again. Under the statue sits an empty pedestal. Chantry believed that Washington would be recognizable to all, and that his piece did not need a name plate.

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