[Washington, George] Sic Transit Gloria Mundi!

Glasgow: C(harles).G(ray), ca. 1818. Engraved handkerchief, printed in brown on white cotton, 25 7/16 x 19 5/16 in. (646 x 490 mm). Scattered spotting, light wear and very small holes along edges. In frame, 27 3/4 x 20 1/4 in. (705 x 514 mm). Collins, Threads of History 54; Wick 62

A scarce and well-preserved textile commemorating the legacy of President George Washington.

This image, depicting Washington standing on a pedestal is based on Cornelius Tiebout's 1798 engraving after the drawing by Charles Buxton and the painting by Gilbert Stuart. "Buxton's elaborate design is an amalgam of patriotic symbols referring to Washington's military achievements and his role in forging the new nation. The figure stands on a pedestal ensconced in a niche and flanked by two obelisks labeled 'Liberty' and 'Independence.' An eagle at the top of the arch holds a ribbon from which hang tablets representing the first sixteen states [here updated to 19 states]. The large urn in front of the figure...is probably the Masonic pot of incense, an emblem of a pure heart...The key to the whole design, however, lies in the background view of Bowling Green, New York, which depicts an empty pedestal where a statue of George III formerly stood." (Wendy C. Wick, George Washington: American Icon, p. 131). This rendition adds a long tribute to Washington above, reading "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi!" and that he "united and adorned many excellent Characters, at once the Patriot and the Politician; the Soldier and the Citizen; the Husbandman and the Hero; the Favourite of the Genius of Liberty; the Father of American Independence...He was First in Peace, First in the Hearts of Americans, First in the Eyes of the World..."

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Darren Winston, Senior Vice President at Freeman’s, has served as Head of Department for Books & Manuscripts, Philadelphia, since 2018. He has been a trustee of the Rosenbach Museum and Library since 2022, is a member of The Manuscript Society, The Bibliographical Society of America, and Philadelphia’s Philobiblon Club.

Raised in northern New Jersey, Darren moved to New York City in 1988 and began his career there as a bookseller in 1995. He spent the next 18 years selling to private clients and at East Coast book fairs. In 2003 he moved with his young family to Sharon, Connecticut where, in 2009, he opened his own bookshop. Darren Winston, Bookseller offered rare and vintage books, prints, fine art, and more, and hosted over 50 book signings and art shows. He was a trustee and, later, Board President, of the Sharon Historical Society, and for six years a trustee of Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, Connecticut.

Darren has hosted the radio program "Darren Winston's Book Report" for NPR-affiliate WHDD since 2009, appeared in the 2014 book-themed documentary The Paper Trail, and in 2024 he joined Antiques Roadshow as a books and manuscripts appraiser. From 1999 to 2005, Darren was the buyer and consultant to the Fine and Rare Books Department at Asprey, the British luxury goods company, at its New York headquarters. While there he spearheaded various in-store events including readings by Salman Rushdie and Dominick Dunne.

In 1993, Darren was hired as a Creative Consultant to Columbia Records, where he assisted in the repackaging of their 12-record Aerosmith back catalogue. He later sold his extensive collection of Aerosmith memorabilia, which he began amassing at the age of 14, directly to the band.

Darren now lives on the Main Line, outside Philadelphia, with his wife, two children, and dog. The family travels frequently to his wife's native England and Scotland. When not bookselling, he plays guitar in Pumped, an Aerosmith tribute band. Darren also appears on the top-rated PBS television program Antiques Roadshow.

Printed and Manuscript Americana

[Washington, George] Sic Transit Gloria Mundi!

Printed and Manuscript Americana

[Washington, George] Sic Transit Gloria Mundi!

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