Final answer:
The artist likely padded Washington's lips and cheeks with cotton to create a fuller and more robust appearance, highlighting his vigor and leadership, and contributing to the naturalism and symbolic representation in the artwork.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artist might have padded Washington's lips and cheeks with cotton to enhance his appearance by making his facial features appear fuller and more robust, which was often desirable in traditional portraiture. This padding could give a more youthful or healthier look to Washington's depiction, thereby reflecting his vigor and leadership. The act of padding for sculptures or paintings can contribute to the naturalism in the artwork, aiming to realistically capture the curves and volumes of a human face. For instance, an artist working on a bust might emphasize the innocence and plumpness of a child's features by adjusting the cheeks or lips, as referenced in the anecdotes about a sculptress in Paris or the shipowner's daughter, Laura Brown.
This technique might also have symbolic implications, aligning with given representations of character or status. For example, in historical or political art, like the aforementioned painting of Washington or the sculpture works, such adjustments help to communicate certain traits or messages that the artist wishes to convey, such as Washington’s military character or leadership roles.