• George Washington Presiding at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States in Philadelphia
    Howard Chandler Christy
    Event
    This painting, completed by Howard Chandler Christy in 1940, depicts President George Washington presiding over the signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania’s Independence Hall. Washington served as the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The first president was in office from April 30, 1789 until March 4, 1797. At the center of the painting, Benjamin Franklin is seen conversing with Alexander Hamilton. Just beyond them, sitting at a table to the right of the canvas, is future president James Madison.