Revisiting a Defining Image on President’s Day

Doc offers story behind America’s stoic dollar bill image

On several occasions in 1796, George Washington visited the home of artist Gilbert Stuart to sit for what is considered one of the most famous portraits ever created — Washington’s stoic image on the one dollar bill.

First Face: The Buck Starts Here, airing this month on Public Television (check local listings) looks at the circumstances leading to the creation of this portrait, how it defined the president and, ultimately, its contemporary value as a symbol of America. Enjoy some additional footage from the film after the jump.