The famous French sculptor Houdon came to visit Washington in 1789 so that he could make an accurate true to life bust of this important historical figure.  Arriving back at his Paris studio he made the first bust in terracotta just like our example.  Washington was so popular that many additional copies were made in Houdon's workshop and elsewhere.  We believe this to be one of those made in the early 1800's.  It obviously was used outdoors as it has a beautifully weathered surface.  It is in excellent original condition.