Commissioner Jeanette Moy today celebrated the return of the newly conserved George Washington portrait, now proudly on display once again in the Capitol’s State Street Lobby. The 1813 painting by renowned Albany artist Ezra Ames has been restored following a rigorous, highly specialized conservation effort spearheaded by the New York State Office of General Services (OGS). The portrait's triumphant return serves as a powerful testament to New York's enduring role in our nation's founding, arriving as the state prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “OGS takes immense pride in being caretakers of the remarkable artifacts and artwork that grace the halls of our state’s Capitol and the Empire State Plaza. Our collaboration with the Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Centers on the intricate restoration of George Washington’s portrait is especially meaningful in the lead-up to our nation’s 250th anniversary. Not only is this portrait an important piece of New York’s history, but it also reflects the complicated story of America’s founding. I encourage everyone to include the New York State Capitol in their plans while exploring New York's deep connection to the American Revolution.”
A prominent figure in early 19th-century Albany art, Ezra Ames created this compelling rendition of George Washington, inspired by Gilbert Stuart’s renowned 1796 Lansdowne Portrait. Settling in Albany in 1793, Ames quickly established himself as the city’s preeminent painter, with a prolific career that resulted in more than 400 portraits, many of local New York political figures and legislators, including George Clinton and John Taylor, which are also on display at the Capitol.
The George Washington portrait, on public display since its commission in 1813, had, over time, experienced the natural effects of aging, including fading, discoloration, chipping, and oxidation. These challenges risked diminishing its visual impact and compromising its historical integrity. To address the painting’s deterioration, OGS enlisted the expertise of the Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Centers. Their skilled conservators undertook an elaborate process to stabilize the oil-on-canvas painting, meticulously addressing each area of deterioration to reveal the artwork's original vibrancy and detail.
New York State Museum Executive Director Jennifer Saunders said, “As stewards of this portrait, the Office of Cultural Education is delighted to see it once again displayed in the New York State Capitol, where it can be viewed by legislators, visitors, and members of the public as a reminder of our nation’s founding and its continuing evolution. Alongside other George Washington artifacts in the collections of the New York State Museum and New York State Library, this portrait represents an important connection to our shared history. We hope it inspires curiosity and reflection on the past and encourages visitors to continue exploring the state’s history through the Museum’s ‘Revolutionary New York’ exhibit.”
Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center Executive Director Briann Greenfield, Ph. D. said, “It has been an honor for our conservators to care for this portrait. Conservation is not about erasing the passage of time, but about ensuring a work’s continued vitality. By reducing the visual effects of aging, we seek to restore clarity to the artist's intent, and in this case, reinforce the painting’s ability to speak to audiences as a lasting symbol of the nation’s founding and the ideals of our democracy.”
OGS is dedicated to the curation, preservation, and conservation of numerous state-owned art collections. This includes illustrious collections such as the Harlem Art Collection and the Empire State Plaza Art Collection, celebrated as one of the nation's most accessible modern art collections. OGS proactively identifies artworks within its purview, whether owned or on loan, that require conservation interventions. This commitment ensures the long-term stability of these invaluable cultural assets and guarantees continued public access to these significant works of art.
Free Weekday Tours of the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza
New York State Capitol
Year-round, OGS provides free 45-minute weekday tours of the New York State Capitol that can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases, and carvings. Tours depart from the State Street Lobby at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. On Fridays between July 3 and August 28, free evening tours of the Capitol are also available starting at 5:30 p.m., with a meeting point at its State Street Lobby. For daytime and evening tours, reservations are not required. Walk-ups are permitted. Larger groups of 10 or more should call (518) 474-2418. Find more details at empirestateplaza.ny.gov.
Empire State Plaza
On weekdays between July 3 and the end of August, starting at 1 p.m., enjoy an outdoor 45-minute walking tour of this world-class complex that starts from the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center & Gift Shop. Learn how government and culture are housed within the modern architecture of the Empire State Plaza, including the Plaza’s memorials. Learn about The Egg following its recent renovation and the Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Art Collection. Find more details at empirestateplaza.ny.gov.
About the New York State Office of General Services
For 65 years, the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has proudly served as the operational engine of New York State. The agency provides the essential foundation for government to function seamlessly — managing and leasing real property, designing modern facilities, streamlining procurement, and stewarding world-class cultural assets. Through its commitment to efficiency, innovation, and environmental sustainability, OGS handles the complex logistics of government so that its partners can dedicate their full focus to what matters most: advancing their missions to serve the people of New York.
Discover how OGS continues to support New York at ogs.ny.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
