Revisiting a Defining Image on President’s Day

Posted on February 21, 2011

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.


Topics

From our blog

  1. ITVS Responds to Rescission Vote

    July 18, 2025

    [July 18, 2025] Carrie Lozano, President and CEO of the Independent Television Service (ITVS), issued the following statement in response to Congress' vote clawing back congressional approved funding for public media.Congress’ decision to pass the rescission package that removes the $1.1B of previously approved federal funds for the Corporation of

  2. Protecting Our Future and Charting the Course Ahead

    June 4, 2025

    We are sharing the sad and difficult news that ITVS is reducing its staff by 13 individuals across the organization. For a staff so committed to our mission and to each other, this 20% staff reduction is a painful moment. Our dedicated staff have made important contributions that are part of ITVS' legacy and success story. In the past few months, ITVS has

  3. ITVS Documentary "Greener Pastures" Honored by the Television Academy

    May 1, 2025

    The Television Academy announced that the ITVS-supported, Independent Lens documentary Greener Pastures will be celebrated at the 18th Television Academy Honors. Established in 2008, the Television Academy Honors Award recognizes “Television with a Conscience” and seeks to celebrate programs that inspire, motivate, and harness the power of