Emanuel Leutze
Emanuel Leutze (1816–1868) was a German-American painter best known for his large-scale historical paintings, particularly Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851), one of the most iconic images in American art. Born in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, Leutze immigrated to the United States with his family as a child. He studied art in Europe, particularly in Düsseldorf, where he became part of the Düsseldorf School of painting. Leutze specialized in historical and patriotic themes, often focusing on heroic moments from American and European history.
Leutze’s work is characterized by its dramatic composition, vivid color, and sense of narrative. His depictions of American history, particularly during the Revolutionary War period, have shaped the visual memory of these events for generations of Americans. Washington Crossing the Delaware is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Leutze remains a significant figure in the history of American painting.
-
Full Name: Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze
-
Birth and Death: 1816–1868
-
Profession: Painter
-
Influences: Düsseldorf School, American and European History
-
Legacy: Known for his historical paintings, Leutze’s most famous work, Washington Crossing the Delaware, is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.