PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON TOMB MOUNT VERNON ~ 1887 Art Print Engraving

Description: TOMB OF WASHINGTON MOUNT VERNON Artist: unknown ____________ Engraver: Duthie NOTE: The title in the box above is also in the white border below this scene. PRINT DATE: This engraving was printed in 1887; it is not a modern reproduction in any way. PRINT SIZE: Overall print size is 5 x 7 inches, actual scene size is 2 1/4 by 3 inches. PRINT CONDITION: Condition is excellent. Bright and clean. Blank on reverse. Paper is quality woven rag stock paper. SHIPPING: Buyer to pay shipping, domestic orders receive priority mail, international orders receive regular air mail unless otherwise asked for. Full payment details will be in our email after auction close. We pack properly to protect your item! PRINT DESCRIPTION: The tomb where rest the ashes of Washington was constructed some fifteen years ago on a spot which he himself had long before chosen for the purpose. It stands on a hill-side overlooking a woody dell not far from the mansion of Mount Vernon, and is built of brick covered in front with a simple rough-cast coating that is much damaged by the influence of the weather. The pillars on each side the doorway are of freestone on a panel fixed over the iron door the visitor may read these words: I am the .resurrection and the Life; He that believeth m me though he were dead, yet shall he Izive. Our engraving presents a view of the walls enclosing the tomb. These walls are of feet high; upon a slab above the iron gate is the simple inscription: WITHIN THIS ENCLOSURE REST THE REMAINS OF GENERAL GEORGE WASHINGTON." The body of Washington was deposited here in 1837 in a marble sarcophagus prepared for the purpose. It had previously remained in the vault occupied by the mortal relics of the various members of the Washington family. On removing it, the leaden coffin was found to have sunken in and become somewhat fractured, so as to expose to view the head and breast of its tenant, which seemed but little affected by the influence of time. The forehead was still broad and. massive; the eye sockets were spacious and profound, and the chest that of a man of unusual size. The grave-clothes had disappeared. The removal, which was performed by torch-light nod without any ceremony, lasted but a short time; the leaden coffin was closed again and finally deposited in the sarcophagus, no more, as we trust, to be disturbed. The tomb even more than the mansion of Washington bears the marks of neglect and decay. The paths leading to it are uncared for and overgrown with weeds and brambles, which nothing seems to disturb, except the feet of pious visitors. The indifference of the Nation to the home and the last resting place of its most illustrious patriot is loudly and justly complained of, and appeals are sometimes made to the people to purchase the humble estate of Mount Vernon and have it suitably kept at the public expense. But these appeals have never been so efficacious as to lead to action on the part of Congress, and even if this venerable locality be redeemed from the encroachments of decay, and caused to bloom, as it should do, with the varied beauty of art and nature, we fear that it must be through the combined contribution of private individuals. It is a fact worthy of attention, that the American democracy does not pay a very ardent personal devotion to its heroes and sages. With their best wisdom incorporated in its institutions, and their noble examples shining along the paths of its history, there seems after all to be an instinct which ascribes honor more to principles than to persons, and which in urging forward the republic to a destiny of untold power and usefulness does not linger to offer incense on the altars of the past. It cannot justly be said that this is a new proof of the base ingratitude of republics, for no name is more dearly cherished and beloved by any people than that of Washington by Americans. But it would appear to demonstrate that, as the mass of men have been elevated, the age of hero-worship, of the domination of single individuals, of the towering of isolated persons over the crowd of small and groveling beings at their feet, has passed away. Such seems to be the true cause why such apparent neglect is shown to the abode and the grave of the mortal Washington it is that the immortal spirit which he breathed into his country and the vast destiny on which he so nobly helped to send it forth, impel the people to other duties and to more productive efforts than the guardianship of ancient houses or of tombs, no matter how great and memorable their inhabitants. Democracy, in the large and comprehensive sense, - is no respecter of persons and devotes itself solely to the service of humanity. But whatever be the reason of this negligence it is none the less painful to every visitor to Mount Vernon, and we cannot but hope that if the matter should continue to be neglected by the Federal Legislature, private persons of liberality and patriotism will come forward and not only render Mount Vernon the property of the people, but at the same time provide for its being appropriately kept and repaired. But we must confess that our hope even of this, is not very sanguine. THIS IS AN ACTUAL ENGRAVING PRINTED IN THE 1880's! GREAT PORTRAIT OF A KEY PATRIOT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA !

Price: 9.99 USD

Location: New Providence, New Jersey

End Time: 2024-12-08T14:34:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 7.95 USD