The Montgomery Museum is hosting A Taste of Wine and Art at 6 p.m. Thursday at Gothic Hall (100 Main St., Christiansburg).

Historian B. Scott Crawford will share his latest findings related to Gilbert Stuart’s 1796 Lansdowne Portrait that depicts George Washington on the eve of his retiring from the office of President.

Crawford will set the work within a larger historical context, exploring the work’s rich symbolism and relating the portrait to Washington’s presidency and Farewell Address.

Through these connections, with emphasis placed on a small item in the portrait that arguably unlocks a deeper meaning of the portrait, participants will explore how Biblical and Masonic imagery transform Washington into an American Noah.

Ultimately, the portrait may just contain a visual reflection of important advice Washington gave the nation at the end of his presidency – advice that helps answer the question: “how can a republic such as the United States survive?”

This event is supported by the Kiwanis Club of Christiansburg and Ignite on Main.

— Submitted by Sue Farrar