Final answer:
Washington is centered in 'The Washington Family' painting to emphasize his significance as a military leader and president. Savage uses size and central placement to create a focal point, highlighting Washington's role as a key historic figure and the patriarch of the nation. The composition and symbolism represent Washington's legacy and the nation's future.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason Washington is placed in the center of 'The Washington Family' painting by Edward Savage is to emphasize his importance as both a military leader and the President, which are symbolized by his uniform and the papers, respectively. The central placement of Washington also creates a focal point anchored by his figure, which is further highlighted by the use of size. The grand scale of the figures in the painting suggests their significance and communicates a sense of authority and grandeur.
Savage's use of size is critical in conveying his message, as seen with Washington's larger-than-life depiction emphasized through his central position. This signifies his role as the patriarch and a key figure in the nation's history, as well as in the scene itself, with Martha Washington and the grandchildren representing the future and domestic sphere.
The artist combined symbolism with naturalism, using the elements present in the painting to represent Washington's multiple roles and the vision for the nation's capital. The focus on the family, along with the backdrop of Mount Vernon, further underlines the significance of Washington's legacy. The painting's composition and the figures' interaction, through their glances and gestures, come together to communicate the importance of Washington's legacy and the direction of the newly formed country.