Puzzles and Paintings

"The General and Madame came home on Christmas Eve, and such a racket the servants made, for they were glad of their coming!" That lively account of George and Martha Washington's post-war return to Mount Vernon was one of many contemporary sources John drew upon to bring this stirring scene to life. "I went to Mount Vernon in winter," he says, "and shot many rolls of film at every hour of the afternoon, looking for the most dramatic light. The roof is white now, but back then the shingles were red, so for a visual counterpoint I took the liberty of giving Washington a bold red manteau. You'll notice there are no wreaths, candles or other festive display to greet the general this Christmas Eve. Decorating for the holidays did not become an established American tradition until the 19th century."    -ArtUsa.com

A while ago, my mom bought a 750 piece puzzle which is a smaller version of this painting by John Buxton. I just started working on it on Sunday, and it's coming along really well. Its such a cool picture with Washington looking so stately and regal and all the colors so warm and bright, though wintery too. I don't believe many people think very much about this event in his life, on Christmas Eve, just after the war had ended.

I had never seen this piece of art before but now I'm really enjoying it as I fit it together, piece by piece.

Above: "He Returns Victorious" by John Buxton