GEORGE WASHINGTON ASTRIDE HIS WHITE WAR HORSE 'BLUESKIN'

Executed circa 1876.  

Leah and John Gordon, New York;
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brandagee, Berlin, Connecticut;
Olde Hope Antiques, Inc., New Hope, Pennsylvania

Lincroft, New Jersey, Masterpieces of American Folk Art, 1975

Robert Bishop, American Folk Sculpture (New York: E.P. Dutton, 1974), fig. 193;
Masterpieces of American Folk Art, Monmouth County Historical Association

Washington: Little touch up on rump of horse and on the right side on the horse's neck and tail. Shelf: In good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This finely carved statue depicts the first President doffing his tricorn hat atop his legendary “white” warhorse Blueskin, a blue roan that he rode during the battles at Princeton and Trenton. Blueskin, whose color was described as “of a dark iron-gray color, approaching to blue,” had been Washington’s favorite fox hunting horse before the war, and, while he could be skittish under fire, he had a fiery temperament and could run long distances with ease. After the war, Blueskin and Washinton’s other favorite mount, Nelson, peacefully lived out their days in Mount Vernon’s stables.