Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze
Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze is one of the most iconic images in American art, capturing a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. Painted in 1851, this grand historical work portrays General George Washington leading his troops across the icy Delaware River on the night of December 25–26, 1776, in a surprise attack against Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. Leutze, a German-American artist, sought to immortalize this moment of determination, bravery, and strategic brilliance that significantly boosted American morale during the war.
Leutze’s composition is dramatic and dynamic, with Washington standing resolutely at the bow of the boat, his figure symbolizing leadership and resolve. The artist's use of light and shadow emphasizes the perilous conditions of the crossing, with the churning water and treacherous ice forming a stark contrast to the calm determination of Washington and his men. The painting is not only a tribute to the American spirit but also a reflection of Leutze’s own belief in the values of freedom and democracy.
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Where and When Made: Düsseldorf, Germany, 1851
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Medium: Oil on canvas
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Full Artwork Name: Washington Crossing the Delaware
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Artwork Style: Historical painting, Romanticism
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Current Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
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Subject/Topic: General George Washington leading his troops across the Delaware River during the American Revolutionary War
