Behind the Curtain: An Insider’s Look at The George Stuart Historical Figures®

People argue about whether the Figures are works of art, historical objects, or maybe something else entirely. Mr. Stuart himself objects to both the titles of Artist and Historian. Investigate each Figure closely so that you can decide for yourself.

Exhibit extended: In February, visitors can see a new rotation of Figures, each with a detail magnified for an up-close look. Each Figure in this exhibit shows the comprehensive historical research and artistic details behind its creation.

To accurately capture the people in his monologues, Mr. Stuart completed intense historical research. Gathering all credible information he could find, Mr. Stuart studied paintings, autopsy reports, and tailors’ records. He once even convinced the Smithsonian to measure the thread count on Abraham Lincoln’s shawl to ensure accuracy.

Armed with that research, Mr. Stuart brought each character to life out of raw materials. Bits of wire, cotton batting, and clay transform into expressive beings. Filling in the unknowns with his artistic imagination, his obsessive attention to the smallest details from eyelashes to fingernails renders the end product eerily realistic. Each Figure in this exhibit shows the comprehensive historical research and artistic details behind its creation.

Made possible in part by the Fred W. Smith Gallery Fund and additional support from Bethe and Tim Sullivan in memory of Rosemarie Magness