The Living Room Painting

It is the spring of 1758. Martha has been a widow for six months, and she is visiting her deceased husband’s family, the Chamberlains. It is there that General Richard Chamberlain introduces her to Colonel George Washington. Because she would have been in mourning, Martha was probably actually wearing a grey dress as opposed to the party gown in which she is attired in this painting. It might perhaps even be the gown in which she later married Washington.

Behind Chamberlain and at his left is his wife and group of ladies who were probably neighbors. Their respective husbands stand nearby in the doorway. Martha’s son, Jackie, is on the stairs with his nurse Oney. At the right, behind Washington, is Richard Nicolas, the attorney who managed Chamberlain’s estate. With him is the Reverend David Mossun, who officiated at Martha’s first wedding and who would also provide this service at her marriage to Washington. Seated in the foreground is Wilhelmina Bird Chamberlain, the Colonel’s mother and the aunt of the deceased Mr. Custis. Beside her is Martha’s daughter, Patsy Custis.

Martha’s servant Culley stands just inside the door at the right, and Mr. Thomas Bishop, Washington’s servant, is seen outside that door. Bishop is holding a chestnut horse which was acquired by Washington at the time of Braddock’s defeat [and it was due to his performance during this battle that Washington was promoted to Colonel].

The Upstairs Foyer leads to rooms that were not involved in the original restoration to prepare for the 1983 public opening. Click here to learn more.

The upstairs area includes a dressing room and three bedrooms—each with their own bathroom and walk-in closet. Other doors lead to storage closets and entrances to the attic and the servants’ stairway.

The walnut slant-top desk you see is of the Sheraton design. There are several concealed compartments inside.

Extra dining-room chairs are often stored here, and this area also features a large light green-burgundy and blue rug.

The round table you see tilts for game-play.