9x12 inches, 2007, class: Advanced Illustration
George Washington was a Virginian gentleman farmer and soldier in the French and Indian War, who became involved in the American colonial resistance when he called for a boycott of English goods in response to the Townshend Acts. He arrived at the Second Continental Congress dressed in military uniform, and was voted commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Washington didn't particularly want to be in charge of everything, but no one else was up to the task. He was admired by both the American and the English for his courage, his quick, decisive, sensible thinking, and his concern for the welfare of his troops. After the victorious end of the Revolutionary War, he presided over the Constitutional Convention (though he didn't involve himself much in the debates.) Then he was unanimously elected as the new US nation's first president. He turned down all of the very grand-sounding titles proposed for his office, preferring a simple "Mr. President" address, and only accepted a modest salary by insistence. After serving two terms, he set the precedent of retiring from the position...fully realizing that he could easily have become king of America. Washington didn't align with any political party, and feared political polarization of the nation (though his sympathies fell more with the Federalists.) He did very strongly warn against any involvement with other nations, insisting that America should be friendly to all nations, but not entangle itself in their affairs, alliances, and enmities.
...Big G was a natural redhead, and had chronic problems with his teeth, probably from the medicine he took when he was infected with smallpox (and then maybe tuberculosis.) He had complete dentures (several sets of them) but contrary to popular belief, they weren't made of wood. No...better! He had dentures made of hippo ivory! And other animal teeth. This is why he looks a little cranky in all his portraits; he had nothing to do while sitting for them but to think about how much his mouth hurt.
He was also probably left sterile from the smallpox, as he and Martha (to whom he proposed marriage after an acquaintance of three weeks) never had children together...but he was an affectionate stepfather to her kids from her previous marriage. He died at age 67, in 1799, and today we see him all the time on money.
