George Washington — Revolutionary War Portrait Engraving
Paris, late 18th century — Frame: 8¾ x 6¾ in.; sight: 7¼ x 5 in.
 
A finely engraved French portrait of George Washington, depicting the general in Continental uniform within an oval medallion framed by martial trophies including a drum, cannon, standards, and laurel wreaths—iconography celebrating his leadership during the American Revolutionary War.
The caption below reads “George Washington Esqᵣ, Général en Chef de l’Armée Anglo-Américaine, nommé Dictateur par le Congrès en Février 1777,” reflecting contemporary European fascination with Washington’s military leadership and the American struggle for independence. The engraving was issued in Paris by Esnauts & Rapilly, prominent late-18th-century print publishers known for producing portraits of notable political and military figures for a European audience.
 
French engravings of Washington such as this were widely circulated in the years following the American Revolution, when his reputation had become international and his image served as a symbol of republican virtue and military leadership.
 
Condition: Very fine, with toning consistent with age.