Actually if you look at the picture close-up then it's evident that what's below the Bible is a cushion of some kind. Note the tassels on the corners.
There are two books below Washington’s hand. One is open..the Bible..the one below the Bible is the Law of Nations.
Actually if you look at the picture close-up then it's evident that what's below the Bible is a cushion of some kind. Note the tassels on the corners.
You've always shown remarkable persistence and energy in ferreting out historical sources but I think you've let your enthusiasm carry you away on this one. The painting is from 1889 - a hundred years after the event - and can't be treated as a contemporary source. Why on earth would you think the Law of Nations was shown in it?