 
George Washington This miniature by Irish artist John Ramage is the first portrait made of Washington during his presidency. The President noted in his diary on October 3, 1789: "Sat for Mr. Rammage near two hours to day, who was drawing a miniature Picture of me for Mrs. Washington." The portrait was painted in New York City, temporary capital of the United States, shortly before Washington made a month-long political trip through New England. He wears a blue and buff uniform similar to those worn by general officers of the United States Army. On his lapel is the badge of the Society of the Cincinnati, the honorific organization founded by his officers after the war. His appearance is similar to a description by an English visitor to Mount Vernon in 1785: " His eyes are full and blue and seem to express an air of gravity. . . His forehead is a noble one and he wears his hair turned back, without curls and quite in the officer's style, and tyed in a long queue behind. Altogether he makes a most noble, respectable appearance." The reverse of the case frames a lock of Washington's hair, and is engraved with the names of the portrait's early owners. 
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