302

[Nicholas-Eustache Maurin, lithographer.]

Early lithograph of Washington from the Pendleton shop.

[Boston]: [Pendleton], circa 1828
Lithograph, 15¼ x 12 inches, titled "George Washington, First President of the United States"; laid down on wood panel; toning, minor dampstaining on bottom edge.

  • Notes: Issued at the dawn of American lithography as part of a series of portraits of the first five presidents of the United States, each of them subcaptioned "From the original series painted by Stuart for the Mess'rs Doggett of Boston, entered according to an act of Congress." 

    In 1821, Boston merchant John Doggett commissioned Gilbert Stuart to produce portraits of the first five presidents; the Washington was a copy of one of Stuart's life portraits. Doggett exhibited them in early 1822 at his gallery, Doggett's Repository of Art. In 1825, he asked a Boston engraver, John Pendleton, to arrange to have them reproduced using the new lithographic process. Pendleton had them lithographed in Paris by Nicholas-Eustache Maurin, and then returned to Boston with a press.  This launched Pendleton as the first successful lithography firm in America. These prints were released in 1828 as a set known as "American Kings." 

    Not in Baker or Hart; none of the Washington print or the full "American Kings" set traced at auction since 1900.

    See: Georgia Barnhill, "The Introduction and Early Use of Lithography in the United States," International Federation of Library Associations conference paper, August 2001; Barratt, "Gilbert Stuart," pages 313-314. 
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

November 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000