So many portraits were painted of George Washington, including many by this artist, Gilbert Stuart. The unfinished Athenaeum Portrait is thought to be his most notable work. He pictures here in oil President Washington at 64, just three years before his death. As an artist and entrepreneur, when Washington, died Stuart capitalized on this unfinished image by painting copies for sale, and having it used for input on dollar bill and postage stamp designs. The original was sold by his heirs to the Athenaeum, a historic independent library in Boston. This is the origin of the title. The original hangs is in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston alongside this artist’s equally unfinished portrait of Washington’s wife, Martha.

On this day in 2025, let us take a few minutes to focus on this unique work. Through a lens of these times, may it be a reminder of the unfinished reality of our country and our democracy experiment. How do we let this portrait be finished 229 years later? How do we fill the spaces with liberty and justice for all? 

May we lift our questions in prayer and listen closely for God’s guidance. This unfinished work is ours to do now in God’s love, mercy and truth.

Lord, hear our prayers. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church