The composition Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851), by the painter Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze, who was born in Germany but grew up in the United States, is one of the most famous works in the United States of America.
The painting shows General George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, who would later become the first president of the United States, ahead of his army, fighting for the liberation of the then English colony at the Battle of Treton, New Jersey. crossing the Delaware River.
The painter Emanuel Gottlieb Leutz (1816-1868), returning to Germany as an adult to stimulate liberal reformists in Europe, took as an example the American Revolution. He painted his painting using American tourists and art students as models. However, the first version was damaged by fire in the painter's studio and later restored. But during World War II, in a British bombardment of Germany, the work was destroyed. The artist painted another version of the painting, which went through several hands, until it was donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
There are dark tones in the composition, since the crossing took place at dawn, however, there are numerous highlights red, yellow, green, etc. The boats, which come after the one used by George Washington, add depth to the painting, highlighting the one who leads the general ahead. Washington looks haughty, looking away. At his side, holding the wind-curled flag, is Lieutenant James Monroe, who would also become president of the United States. Sitting back with his hand on his hat is General Edward.
The characters, present on the commander's boat, represent the union of the American colonies in the struggle for independence. Among the rowers on the bow are a man with a Scottish beret facing the observer and another of African descent (in profile). In the pulp are the snipers, including two farmers, huddled in the cold, with their broad hats, one of whom has his head bandaged. One of the oarsmen, facing the observer, is very similar to a woman. She wears a red robe and a dark scarf. Another, with his back to the observer, is a native American, his presence is intended to remind the exploitation of the Indians by the English metropolis, and also represents the union of all the people of the colony.
