goSmithsonian - February 2009 - (Page 9) D O N A L D W. R E Y N O L DS C E N T E R F O R A M E R I C A N A R T A N D P O R T R A I T U R E National Portrait Gallery The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) is a must-see destination for visitors interested in the diversity of people who are creating, or have left, an indelible mark on our country and its culture. Here, see one of the most significant portraits in America’s history— Gilbert Stuart’s “Landsdowne” painting of George Washington, located on the second floor in the “America’s Presidents” exhibition. FIRST FLOOR The Education Center hosts teacher workshops and programs for school and youth groups and families, including Saturday art activities and interactive tours. “American Origins” (permanent) offers a “conversation about America” through portraiture from the pre-Colonial era to the end of 19th century. “Tokens of Affection and Regard: Photographic Jewelry and Its Makers” (through June 21) Photographic jewelry, including pocket watches adorned with babies’ photos and brooches bearing lovers’ likenesses, was all the rage in the mid-1800s. See a collection of these keepsakes, complemented by images by pioneering American photographers—including Mathew Brady, Albert Sands Southworth and Jeremiah Gurney—who created and marketed them. “Portraiture Now: Feature Photography” The works of six photographers—Katy Grannan, Jocelyn Lee, Ryan McGinley, Steve Pyke, Martin Schoeller and Alec Soth—working on assignment for The New Y orker, Esquire and The New York Times Magazine build on a longstanding tradition of photographic portraiture for the popular press. SECOND FLOOR In the hall of “America’s Presidents” (permanent), visit the nation’s only complete collection of presidential portraits outside the White House. “Presidents in Waiting” John Adams, perhaps the most cantankerous founding father, viewed the office of the vice president as the “most insignificant office” ever invented by man. However, almost one-third of U.S. vice presidents—the subject of this exhibition— George Washington (“Lansdowne” portrait, 1796) by Gilbert Stuart is an American icon found at the Portrait Gallery. LINCOLN AT THE SMITHSONIAN GOSMITHSONIAN.COM/LINCOLN “One Life: The Mask of Lincoln” The bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth is commemorated with this exhibition that draws on the museum’s extensive collection of Lincoln portraits, including the original cracked-plate Lincoln portrait by Alexander Gardner. Fun for students: goSmithsonian.com/SIConnections NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY goSmithsonian.com 9 http://www.gosmithsonian.com/lincoln http://www.gosmithsonian.com/lincoln http://www.goSmithsonian.com/SIConnections http://www.goSmithsonian.com
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