Music at Mount Vernon

Full title: The Harpsichord or Spinnet Miscellany being a gradation of proper lessons from the beginning to the tolerable performer chiefly intended to save masters the trouble of writing for their pupils: to which are prefixed some rules for time. A copy owned by Martha Parke Custis Washington.

Robert Bremner

1765-00-00

eng

John Trumbull, The Resignation of General Washington of His Commission at Annapolis, oil on canvas, c. 1824-1828

Paintings

One of the iconic paintings of the Revolutionary era, this work by John Trumbull depicts George Washington’s resignation as commander of the Continental Army. This moment was of great symbolic significance to Americans, as Washington was demonstrating his strict adherence to ideals of public virtue by giving up his military power and returning to private life. Martha Washington and three of her grandchildren are pictured in the balcony, even though they were not present at the actual event (image courtesy of Yale University Art Gallery).

John Trumbull

oil on canvas

eng

CAP Ref. 1832.8

Needle book

Daily life at Mount Vernon

This needle book was presumably one of the items bought by Martha Parke Custis Peter at the auction specified in Martha Washington’s will.  There is a note sewn to it that reads, 'Mrs. Martha Washington' (image courtesy of Tudor Place Foundation).

eng

John Custis IV, attributed to John Hesselius

Martha Washington's early life

John Custis was the very wealthy father of Martha Washington’s first husband, Daniel Parke Custis. Custis became a widower after his wife Frances died in 1714. Although initially opposed to his son’s intended marriage, Custis met with Martha and came away convinced of her charm and character. In giving his blessing to the match, he secured the couple’s financial future.

John Hesselius

oil on canvas

eng

Diorama

Martha Washington

This unusual diorama, depicting a scene from Greek mythology, was given to George Washington by Samuel Fraunces of Fraunces Tavern in New York (where Washington held many staff meetings during the war). It became one of the Washington’s favorite decorative items. Martha Washington willed it to Martha Custis Peter, one of her granddaughters (image courtesy of Tudor Place Foundation).

Tudor Place Foundation

eng

Nelly Custis's English guitar

Music at Mount Vernon

This guitar was a gift to Martha Washington's granddaughter Nelly Custis from George Washington toward the end of his second presidency. It made in London and features an ivory panel with Nelly Custis's initials.

eng

Martha Washington, Athenaum portrait

Portraits

Gilbert Stuart

1796-00-00

eng

Edward Savage, The Washington Family, engraving after the original, c. 1789-1790

Portraits

Edward Savage’s iconic portrait of the Washington Family was originally painted c. 1789-1790. George Washington purchased two engravings of the painting to display at Mount Vernon (one of which is pictured here). It portrays George and Martha Washington, two of Martha’s grandchildren, George Washington Parke Custis and Eleanor Parke Custis, and George’s body servant, a black slave named William “Billy” Lee (image courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies' Association).

Edward Savage

Mount Vernon Ladies' Association

eng

Dandridge Christening Bowl

Martha Washington's early life

This bowl has been passed down through generations of Dandridge descendants and is known as the “Dandridge Christening Bowl.”  It is an example of famille verte ware, a style of Chinese porcelain. Although the bowl’s precise  provenance is uncertain, it is possible that Martha Dandridge was christened in 1731 with water from ithis bowl, or one like it.

eng

Nelly Custis's Harpsichord

Music at Mount Vernon

George Washington ordered this expensive English harpsichord in 1793 for Nelly Custis, his step-granddaughter. It came to Mount Vernon in 1797 when the Washingtons returned home after the Presidency. Nelly’s harpsichord performances were an important part of sociability in the Washington household (image courtesy of Mount Vernon Ladies' Association).

1793

eng