TERRE HAUTE, IN.- Nine days after signing the Treaty of Paris which officially marked the end of the American Revolution, General George Washington summoned his commanders for a serious meeting. On December 4, 1783, the Commander of the Continental Army, with glass of wine in hand, spoke to his loyal compatriots; "with a heart full of love and gratitude I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable." With that, Washington resigned his role as commander and allowed Congress to begin governance.

It was that remarkable, peaceful transference of power that inspired artist Tompkins Matteson to wed paint with canvas. Washington, who was urged by many to establish himself as king, set a precedence for a peaceful hand over of power—an event the world had never witnessed until that moment. Matteson, like many artists and authors of the mid-nineteenth century, used their craft to build the stature (and myth) of America’s founders. Painted in 1855, Washington’s Farewell to His Officers is typical of 19th century "Grand Manner" painting. Washington the hero stands at the focus of the painting. His officers including "Mad" Anthony Wayne, Nathaniel Greene, and the Marquis de Lafayette surround their leader and emote feelings of sorrow, grief, and disbelief. Paintings such as Washington’s Farewell served as pictorial history lessons and monuments to greatness.

Washington’s Farewell to His Officers was installed in the Swope Art Museum last week. Away from view for over five years, the painting recently returned from extensive conservation work at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). "Artworks are subject to years of stress and wear which can effect the appearance of the work. Washington’s Farewell hung in the Swope’s galleries for nearly fifty years during which it was exposed to dirt from coal heating and nicotine and tar from years of smoking in the museum. Before it came to our institution it was likely housed in an uncontrolled environment where extreme fluctuation in temperature and humidity can have devastating effects on a painting, " explains Swope director David Vollmer. "Five years ago, before the Swope was renovated, museum staff discovered that a portion of the canvas that surrounded the wood stretcher bars had nearly disintegrated and the image was in danger of slipping out of the frame. The painting had to sit in flat storage before it could be transported to Indianapolis." During the months while the painting was at the IMA lab, conservationist Linda Witkowski performed several treatments including strengthening the canvas backing and cleaning the surface. "Protecting and preserving the museum collection is one of our highest priorities," says Swope preparitor Lisa Petrulis. Conservation of the painting was made possible with a generous contribution by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In addition to the re-hanging of the Matteson painting, the entire first floor galleries were reinstalled with new works from the museum’s permanent collection. "The Swope has an outstanding collection of American art—most of which is in storage. Reinstallation of the galleries allows us to show off works that have not been seen for some time; while at the same time resting artworks that have been on long-term view," notes Swope curator Nathan Richie. Soaring around 2000 artworks, the Swope easily has one of the largest art collections in the Indiana. While most people are familiar with many of the museum’s paintings, the Swope actually holds hundreds of prints and drawings, such as John James Audubon’s Reddish Egret, now on view at the Swope. Continued Richie, "in our permanent collection galleries, the Swope endeavors to tell the story of how American art has changed over the past 200 years. Artworks have been categorized chronologically which helps the viewer understand how aesthetics have risen and evolved over time."

Those interested in viewing the newly restored Washington’s Farewell to His Officers and the first floor galleries can visit the Swope Art Museum at 25 S. Seventh Street in Terre Haute. A free guided tour of the galleries is offered on the first Saturday of each month.