Giuseppe Ceracchi (1751–1801)
George Washington, ca. 1791–92
Terracotta
H. 29 1/2 in. (75 cm)
Musée des Beaux-Arts, Nantes
© Nantes Métropole - Musée d'arts de Nantes - Photographie: C. CLOS
This monumental terracotta bust is likely the one made from life by Giuseppe Ceracchi. The imposing representation of the president was brought back to Europe by the sculptor and, after his death, belonged to his Austrian widow, Theresa, who eventually sold it. This bust is probably the prototype from which all other Ceracchi busts of Washington were produced.