Shannon Stirnweis (American, B. 1931) "Washington Monument and George Washington" Signed lower center. Original Oil painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. Towering high above Washington D.C. is one of the nation's most beloved national landmarks ... the Washington Monument. This giant obelisk, built in honor of America's first President, stands near the Potomac River, about halfway between the nation's Capitol and the famed Lincoln Memorial. Construction of this gigantic monument was originally planned while George Washington was still alive. However, he humbly objected to it because of the cost. Nonetheless, in 1833, fund-raising committees began to collect donations for the monument. Nearly fifteen years later, a design was submitted and the cornerstone of the landmark was laid. However, the building of the monument proved to be much more costly than was originally supposed. Year after year, the project was hampered by expensive setbacks. Finally, in 1876 Congress voted to finish the National Monument at government expense. Thus, on December 6, 1884 ... some thirty-six years after construction started ... the Washington Monument was completed. Today, this beloved American monument is visited by well over one million people each year. Indeed, this towering landmark is one of the best known monuments in all the world. Image Size: 17.75 x 15.75 in. Overall Size: 21.75 x 18.75 in. Unframed. (B09605)