George Washington at Dorchester Heights
George Washington at Dorchester Heights, early 19th century
After Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755–1828)
Gift of Mrs. Helen McGuire Imboden Trout (1874-1951) in memory of her father General John D. Imboden (1823-1895), Washington College class of 1843, U5555.0.2
The original painting of Washington at Dorchester Heights by Gilbert Stuart is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. It is a monumental work that measures 180.5 inches x 71 inches overall. The subject commemorates General George Washington's first campaign against British forces and his first victory in the American Revolutionary War. By occupying Dorchester Heights the night of March 4, 1776, the American troops threatened Boston Harbor with artillery fire and forced the British Army to evacuate the city. Samuel Parkman commissioned the painting for the town of Boston in 1806 to hang in Faneuil Hall. In 1876, the City of Boston deposited the original work in the collection of the MFA, Boston, and a copy now hangs in Faneuil Hall.
During the 19th century, many smaller copies of the heroic painting were made. One of Stuart’s assistants was his daughter, Jane Stuart (1812-1888). She painted at least six copies of Washington at Dorchester Heights after her father's death. Our painting, which hangs in the Lee House, is unsigned and at present the artist has not been identified.