A diverse selection of artworks by the master artists of Ireland will be showcased at Whyte’s Irish Art auction on May 27.
George Washington Collectibles
George Washington (1732-1799) was the first President of the United States and commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. BiographyGeorge Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Washington had little formal schooling but taught himself to be an expert woodsman and worked as a surveyor and a mapmaker in his early life. In 1752, Washington joined the colonial militia. He was commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754 and fought in what grew to be the French and Indian War. In 1759, Washington married Martha Custis, a widow, and helped take care of her children. That same year, Washington entered the Virginia House of Burgesses where he consistently opposed what he saw to be unfair British taxes. By 1774, he was one of the leading Virginian figures supporting the colonial cause1. Washington was appointed commander of all colonial forces in June, 1775. He formed the Coninental Army and worked to feed, clothe and equip his soldiers. First President of the United StatesIn 1787, Washington was elected president of the Constitutional Convention and persuaded the states to ratify the resulting constitution. In 1788, electors from every state unanimously chose George Washington as their first President. Though Washington wished to retire after his first term he was re-elected in 1792. He finally retired in 1797 and died on December 14th 1799. Autographs
Many examples of George Washington’s autograph still exist today and are sought after by many collectors. Christie's sold a handwritten letter signed by George Washington for £1.9 million in New York in May 20092. In 2010 an accounts document listing the payment of slave labour in the construction of a Canal at Shenandoah Falls was sold for £29,950 by Paul Fraser Collectibles3. BooksIn June 2012 Washington's own specially-printed copy of the Constitution and Bill of Rights, including his hand-written annotations, sold at auction in New York at Christie's. It smashed it's pre-sale estimate of $2 - $3 million to sell for $9,826,500, a new World record for an American book and historical document. ArtworkSotheby's New York auctioned a portrait of George Washington by American painter Gilbert Stuart in November, 2005. It sold for $8,136,0004. A marble bust of George Washington made by neoclassical sculptor Hiram Powers sold for $182,500 at a Sotheby’s auction in New York in December 20085. In January, 2009, the painting “George Washington at Princeton” by Charles Peale Polk sold for $662,500 at a Christie’s auction in New York6. UniformAn Epaulette worn by George Washington was sold at a Christie’s New York auction in 2000 for $72,8507. Postage stamps and banknotesGeorge Washington has appeared on several U.S. postage stamps in many different denominations including, amongst others:
George Washington also appears on the U.S. one dollar bill and U.S. one quarter coin. See alsoMain article: Political memorabilia |
Latest NewsHeritage Auctions’ May 14-16 Comics Auction totalled over $4 million, led by John Romita’s original cover art for Spider-Man, and a copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, Spider-Man’s first appearance.  Music icons take centre stage in the latest PFC Auctions sale, with headliners including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Elton John and The Jackson Five.  A selection of artworks picturing male nudes by Paul Cadmus will lead Swann Auction Galleries’ American Art sale on June 13.  Described by the auction house as the most important coffee pot ever to come to auction, a silver Rococo design is set to fetch £3.5-£4.5 million at Christie’s Exceptional Sale on July 4.  |
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