12. George Washington, Founding Father and Funny Man?
The opening stages of the Patriots’ advance against the Hessian mercenaries at Trenton, New Jersey, was captured in Washington Crossing the Delaware. Painted by German -American artist Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze in 1851, it is one of the most iconic images of the American Revolution and of American history. It depicts George Washington and a flotilla of Patriots in boats crossing the Delaware River on the night of December 25 – 26, 1776, for a surprise attack against enemy forces.
The depiction of Washington standing at a boat’s prow, staring determinedly ahead while flanked by other Patriot-laden boats, is captivating. The painting’s portrayal of Washington is true to the essence of what is known of the man, who habitually projected an aura of detached dignity and a wall of formality that separated him from subordinates. It was not true, however, to Washington’s actual conduct during the crossing: it was one of the rare occasions when he let down the formality, and cracked jokes.
