New George Washington Portrait Unveiled at Yorktown Museum

News Summary

A newly acquired portrait of George Washington created by Charles Peale Polk has been unveiled at the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown, Virginia. This significant artwork, depicting Washington during his victory at the Battle of Princeton, is now on permanent exhibit. The museum is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2026 and houses numerous historical artifacts that convey the American Revolution’s story. Visitors can view the painting in the museum’s Declaration of Independence rotunda, which also features other representations of Washington.

Yorktown, Virginia – A newly acquired circa-1790 portrait of George Washington has been unveiled and is now on permanent exhibit at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. The painting, created by American artist Charles Peale Polk, captures Washington during his time as commander-in-chief, specifically highlighting his victory at the Battle of Princeton on January 3, 1777. This significant artwork is prominently displayed in the museum’s Declaration of Independence rotunda.

The exhibit forms part of a curated section within the museum dedicated to the material culture of officers and commanders of the Revolutionary War. The American Revolution Museum houses approximately 500 period objects that help narrate the story of the American Revolution from the perspectives of both ordinary citizens and soldiers.

The museum is poised to celebrate its 10-year anniversary in 2026, following a legacy that traces back to the establishment of the Yorktown Victory Center for the 1976 Bicentennial. This new portrait enhances the museum’s collection, advancing themes of American resilience and patriotism, according to Senior Curator Sarah Meschutt, Ph.D.

For over 200 years, George Washington has been depicted in various artistic forms, symbolizing a range of values and ideologies for many Americans. This newly added portrait joins several representations of Washington throughout the museum, including a life-size sculpture and various film depictions. The oil painting itself measures approximately 32-by-25 inches and is elegantly framed in a gilded border.

Prior to its unveiling, the portrait was held in a private collection in Portugal and only surfaced in the United States three years ago. It was authenticated by Linda Crocker Simmons, a former curator at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

The American Revolution Museum is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., located at 200 Water Street in Yorktown. Admission prices are set at $20 for adults, $10 for youth aged 6 to 12, while children under 5 can enter for free. Local residents from York County, James City County, and the City of Williamsburg, including students from William & Mary, can take advantage of complimentary admission with proper proof of residency.

Tickets for entry can be purchased online or at the museum, as well as at the Jamestown Settlement. There is also a combo ticket available at a discounted price for visitors who wish to enjoy both attractions. The museum is recognized as a commemorative partner of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission, which is marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The museum is administered by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

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• 13 News Now
• Wikipedia: George Washington
• Daily Press
• Encyclopedia Britannica: George Washington
• Williamsburg Families
• Google Search: American Revolution Museum Yorktown