Review: The Painter and the President

The Painter and the President
Written by Sarah Albee
Illustrated by Stacy Innerst
New York: Calkins Creek, 2024. Picture Book.

This is the true story behind one of the most recognizable portraits in the world, George Washington on the one dollar bill. At the moment in time where our story begins, President Washington is at the end of his presidency. He is feeling weary and old. His wife, Martha, insists on him having his portrait painted by one of the most famous artists of the time, Gilbert Stuart. Despite the artist's natural charismatic cajoling, he could not get the president to smile or talk with him. One day, Stuart looks up to see the face of the president beaming with joy. He follows his gaze to the window and sees a man riding a horse outside. Finally, they have something to talk about that the president enjoys, horses. And the rest is history!

Sarah Albee writes this story in the historic present tense, as if it is happening now, George Washington is the president. This technique has an interesting effect on the storytelling. I felt more invested in knowing the details of the story as if a friend were talking to me today. This is compared to how I sometimes feel lost in the details when reading about historical events. The illustrations by Stacy Innerst demonstrate his unique style of combining flowing brushstrokes with precise detail. Perhaps meant to mimic the initial struggle between Stuart and Washington that ultimately ended in a beautiful collaboration.

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