Why do we never see portraits of George Washington smiling?

MaggieG 5

He had severe problems with his teeth, and while, apparently, it's a myth that he had a wooden set made for him, he did have a false set or two which were too big for him. No wonder he never smiled on his portraits. He wanted to be remembered for more than his terrible teeth! http://www.si.umich.edu/spies/stories-networks-4.html Apr 18 04, 1:48 AM

shady shaker

Joe, have you seen portraits of any of Washington's contemporaries smiling? I'm hard-pressed to think of any. Perhaps a smile from a luminary such as George Washington might have lead his subordinates to think he was weak in some way. A stern face would re-inforce his authority. Apr 18 04, 8:32 AM

gmackematix

With a few carefully placed folds in a dollar bill you can make him smile. May 08 04, 8:38 AM