Christian Schussele, artist, born in Guebvillers, Alsace, 16 April, 1824; died in Merchantville, New Jersey, 20 August, 1879. He studied under Adolphe Yvon and Paul Delaroche in 1842-’8, and then came to the United States. Here, for some time, he worked at chromo-lithography, which he had also followed in France, but later he devoted himself almost entirely to painting. His best known works are “Clear the Track” (1851) ; “Franklin before the Lords in Council” (1856); “Men of Progress “ (1857), in Cooper institute, New York ; “Zeisberger preaching to the Indians “ (1859) ; “The Iron-Worker and King Solomon” (1860); “Washington at Valley Forge” (1862) ; and “Homo on Furlough” and “McClellan at Antietam “(1863) About 1863 he was attacked by palsy in the right hand, and in 1865 he went abroad, undergoing severe treatment, with no apparent benefit On his return, in 1868, he was elected to fill the chair, then founded, of drawing and painting in the Pennsylvania academy, which he held until his death. During this period he produced “ Queen Esther denouncing Haman,” owned by the academy (1869), and “The Alsatian Fair” (1870). Most of the paintings that have been named became widely known through the large prints by John Sartain and other engravers.


“Washington And His Family” Original engraving on steel AFTER the oil executed by G. Schussele and published in Philadelphia: Bradley & Co., 1884. Engraved image measure 19.25 inches by Mezzotint by William Sartain. Excellent impression with little even discoloration of the paper with good margins.


Inscribed: “Washington And His Family” in the center, LEFT IS "PINX G. Schussele" and on the right is "Published in Philadelphia: Bradley & Co., 1884"


A large steel mezzotint engraving by William Sartain of George Washington and his family. The “Father of the Country” sits in uniform surrounded by his family and symbols of American life. On a table, center, lies a copy of the official plan of the City of Washington. To the right the General has laid aside his sword, and to the left is an olive plant representing peace. Martha sits across the table of Washington and her two grandchildren flank their step-grandfather. Coming in the door is Washington’s servant, William Lee. The handsome figures with calm demeanors, rich clothing and furniture, and many symbols graphically illustrate the ideals of American life in the nineteenth century.

Art (paintings, prints, frames)