Known as the “father of our country,” George Washington has been the subject of books, pamphlets, paintings, discussions and a variety of interpretations as a man, military leader and president. The Clements Library has mounted an exhibition of primary source material as well as classical and allegorical prints, books and manuscripts about the nation’s first president.
“George Washington: Man and Monument: Events That Shaped a Life and Created an American Icon” will be open 1–4:45 p.m. weekdays through April 27. Tours can be arranged by calling (734) 764-2347.
One of the items featured in the exhibition, “Apotheosis of Washington,” is a memorial print, done in 1800 by John James Barralet following Washington’s death. “This artist appealed to a mourning nation by invoking the hero’s immortality,” says curator Arlene Shy. “Washington, supported by Father Time, is shown being conducted heavenward by an angel, leaving below symbols of the new Republic: The American eagle looks confidently to the future; a downcast Columbia, liberty cap held aloft, tramples the serpent despotism; and a Native American grieves. In the background, Faith looks up to the light, Hope clings to the anchor of stability, and Charity nurtures her children on Washington’s virtues.”
The University has made the writings of the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, available to the public via the Internet. To see “The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln,” visit the Web at www.hti.umich.edu/l/lincoln/.
In 1953, the Abraham Lincoln Association published these works in a multi-volume set of Lincoln’s correspondence, speeches and other writings under the same title. Roy P. Basler and his editorial staff, with the continued support of the association, spent five years transcribing and annotating Lincoln’s papers. The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln represented the first major scholarly effort to collect and publish Lincoln’s complete writings, an invaluable resource to Lincoln scholars. This information is available on the Web at www.hti.umich.edu/l/lincoln/.