A Dismal Time for the Patriots
Washington Crossing the Delaware, painted by German -American artist Emanuel Gottleib Leutze in 1851, is one of the most iconic images of the American Revolution. It depicts George Washington and a flotilla of Patriots in boats as they cross the Delaware River on the night of December 25 – 26, 1776, for a surprise attack against enemy forces. The event was dramatic and worthy of commemoration. As 1776 drew to a close, the war and the Americans’ armed bid for independence had not been going well for Washington and his forces.
They had been outgeneralled, outfought, and soundly drubbed. Most notably in New York City, where it took a near-miraculous escape to save them from annihilation. Morale was low, so Washington planned an ambitious raid to score a quick victory and restore some confidence to the cause. From his base in Pennsylvania, he would cross the nearly frozen Delaware River, to suddenly descend upon and destroy Hessian forces on the opposite bank, in Trenton, New Jersey. Leutze’s portrayal of Washington as he stands at the boat’s prow and stares determinedly at the enemy shore, while flanked by other Patriot-laden boats, has captured imaginations then and since.
