We all carry a portrait of George Washington with us -- on the dollar bill. American artist Gilbert Stuart painted the portrait from which the likeness on the dollar is taken.

Stuart’s story requires a longer journey, back to April 11, 1796, when he received a letter from President George Washington. He was the pre-eminent U.S. portrait artist of his day.

Entering the museum gallery, I instantly recognized the life-sized portrait of George Washington. I had first encountered the painting 50 years ago, but this was my first time seeing it live.

Gilbert Stuart wanted his paintings to be kept and enjoyed long after his lifetime. But even he would be amazed at the high-tech examination his famous 1796 oil portrait of George Washington is ...

George Washington, 22 Feb 1732 - 14 Dec 1799 Addressee Gilbert Stuart, 3 Dec 1755 - 9 Jul 1828 Credit Line National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution Date April 11, 1796 Object number ...

“George Washington” by Gilbert Stuart, circa. 1795, pictured in its new frame, is on display at the Reading Public Museum. (Courtesy of the Reading Public Museum) ...

Gilbert Stuart, George Washington, (1795). Courtesy Christie's. A rare portrait of george washington has been sold by New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art for $2.8 million, auctioned alongside ...

If you’re envisioning Dolley tearing the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait down as the Red Coats closed in and the curtains burned, well, that’s not quite what happened.

The plan is to house paintings like Gilbert Stuart's "George Washington" oil painting and other state historic artifacts in the building. Amore said Rhode Island is the only state without a state ...

“George Washington” by Gilbert Stuart, circa. 1795, pictured in its new frame, is on display at the Reading Public Museum. (Courtesy of the Reading Public Museum) ...