1 Many artists have hopes that their creations will become well known. But sometimes a work of art achieves greater recognition than the artist might have ever imagined. And in the case of Gilbert Stuart and George Washington, a work of art may not even be completed but still inspire people long afterward.
2 Stuart was a painter who lived from 1755 to 1828. He was known for both his talent as a painter and his charm as a person. He painted the portraits of approximately 1,000 people during his lifetime. Many distinguished and famous people sat for a portrait with him. But instead of making his subjects sit perfectly still, as was commonly practiced at the time, Stuart engaged them in interesting conversation. He wanted his subjects to feel at ease in order to capture their most natural expression and pose. Only then would Stuart paint the person.
3 One of Stuart’s aspirations was to paint George Washington. Their meeting was not easy to arrange, but Stuart eventually got the opportunity in 1796. Stuart had a difficult time getting Washington to be comfortable. The president finally relaxed when Stuart began to talk about horses. This was one of Washington’s favorite topics. The men chatted while Stuart painted the then 64-year-old president. Their time together was limited, however.
4 The result was a portrait of just Washington’s head and shoulders. The reasons why Stuart never finished the rest of the portrait are uncertain. What is known is that the bottom and left parts of the canvas remained bare, and Stuart persuaded Washington to let him keep the original. Stuart made and sold multiple copies of the portrait in his lifetime—a common practice in the days before cameras.
5 Even unfinished, Stuart’s original portrait is considered the definitive representation of George Washington. People have always believed that the portrait truly captures this great man’s presence. The image was used on the dollar bill beginning in 1869 and has been featured there ever since. This means just about everyone in the United States has seen this work of art. While it is an amazing portrait, surely even Stuart would be amazed by its lasting popularity.
1
Which words from paragraph 2 help the reader understand the meaning of engaged?
A. charm as a person
B. sat for a portrait
C. practiced at the time
D. interesting conversation<< My answer
2
Paragraph 2 is mainly about the —
A. method Stuart used when he was painting portraits
B. number of portraits Stuart painted during his lifetime
C. reason Stuart wanted to paint portraits of famous people
D. popularity of the portraits Stuart painted during his lifetime<< My answer
3
The reader can conclude from the information in paragraph 3 that Stuart —
A. worried that his portrait would not please Washington
B. was determined to create a portrait of Washington<< My answer
C. was nervous in the presence of Washington
D. shared similar interests with Washington
Thank you for your help!
1. Yes
2. No
3. I think there's a better answer.
For 2 —
Concentrate on THESE words: "But instead of making his subjects sit perfectly still, as was commonly practiced at the time, Stuart engaged them in interesting conversation. He wanted his subjects to feel at ease in order to capture their most natural expression and pose."
For 3 —
" … Stuart eventually got the opportunity in 1796. Stuart had a difficult time getting Washington to be comfortable. The president finally relaxed when Stuart began to talk about horses. This was one of Washington’s favorite topics. The men chatted while Stuart painted the then 64-year-old president."
2 is A, yes.
Please read and reread the excerpt I posted for you re #3 — then reread the answer choices.
Ok! So 3 is D!
Thanks! You rock!
2. B
3. C
Are they both A?
2. A
3.A
I am sorry I am slow at catching on 😂
1. The word "engaged" in paragraph 2 is best understood by looking at the phrase "engaged them in interesting conversation." This suggests that Stuart actively involved his subjects in conversation while painting them, rather than making them sit still. Therefore, the correct answer is D. interesting conversation.
2. Paragraph 2 mainly discusses the method that Stuart used when painting portraits. It mentions that he engaged his subjects in conversation to capture their natural expression and pose. Therefore, the correct answer is A. method Stuart used when he was painting portraits.
3. From the information in paragraph 3, the reader can conclude that Stuart was determined to create a portrait of Washington. It states that Stuart had a difficult time getting Washington to be comfortable, but eventually, he relaxed when Stuart began talking about horses. This suggests that Stuart was persistent in his efforts to make Washington feel at ease and complete the portrait. Therefore, the correct answer is B. was determined to create a portrait of Washington.