George Washington (1800) by William ClarkeSmithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Portraits lend insight into history and biography. At the National Portrait Gallery, we use the visual clues found in our objects to discover more about the individual featured in the artwork.
Thomas Jefferson (1805/1821) by Gilbert StuartSmithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
Visualize democracy from the colonial era to the twenty-first century by analyzing portraits of major figures who played a critical role—as government officials, engaged citizens, or both—in creating a democratic society for the United States.
General George S. Patton, Jr. (1945) by Boleslaw Jan CzedekowskiSmithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
This online program is tailored to students in grades 4-12. Explore images from the Portrait Gallery's collection in detail and investigate how portraiture can convey democratic ideals.
As you explore...
...consider how the various sitters contribute to American democracy. What struggles or challenges did they face in their quests to achieve democratic ideals and justice?
What is democracy?
Democracy is a form of government in which the people hold political power and can rule either directly or indirectly, through elected representatives.
The Birth of a New Nation
How do the following sitters from early American history represent democracy in the United States?
Branches of Government
In the United States there are three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial.
What clues do you see in the following portraits that reveal the sitter’s role within the U.S. government?
Military
How does the U.S. military relate to democracy? What kinds of connections can we make among these representations of military figures?
Citizen Engagement
Throughout history, engaged citizens shaped the nation’s history, development and culture. How do the style and medium of their portraits reflect their citizen engagement? Why do you think these are important?
The Role of Museums in Democracy
What value do cultural institutions like the National Portrait Gallery bring to a democratic society?
Benjamin Franklin (c. 1785) by Joseph Siffred DuplessisSmithsonian's National Portrait Gallery
What does democracy mean to you?
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