Unknown man, possibly George Washington
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Unknown man, possibly George Washington” now? Victoria and Albert Museum, Sculpture, Room 111, The Gilbert Bayes Gallery, London. Yes, on view now. Checked September 25, 2026.
Closed· opens at 10:00 AM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the sculpture
The dense grain of a hardwood allows subtle carving and a high polish. In a relief the image stands out against a background that has been cut away. The depths and angles at which the wood is carved determine the play of light and shadow in the relief. This present relief is very similar to a Wedgwood medallion showing George Washington as first president of the United States.
Leader (active 1790-1800) is described as a wax modeller, resident at New Brentford, exhibited two wax models at the Royal Academy in 1797. This sculptor may also have been related to a G. Leader of 188, Oxford Street, also a wax modeller, who exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1792 and 1804.
Victoria and Albert Museum
Details
- Accession number
- A.24-1939
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- Victoria and Albert Museum
- Image: Victoria and Albert Museum — © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
