250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
Title for Blog Post:
Washington Crossing the Delaware – A German Gift to American Independence | 250 Years of Freedom
Artist Background
Leutze’s vision of the daring adventure, beautifully rendered so masterfully, a moment of inspiration, sheer bravery and confidence. In actuality, the flag was a Union Jack with stripes — another great trick of Washington’s. Painted nearly 75 years later than the event by a German whose 10,000 countrymen surrendered to the patriot army that morning.
The painting was shipped to the USA 45 years after the British had returned and burnt down the first White House, destroying the early art collection. The British encampment that night was wiped out by a hurricane. The Library of Congress survived. This great painting had immediate applause at a time when so much was lost, and then rebuilt.
Leutze’s dramatic pose and composition of the event is perfect, a brief moment of early light revealing the surprise morning raid. After nightfall, Washington had his men pack, leave their fires burning, and march away in the darkness and cold to avoid any counter by the British.
This 250th celebration of the Declaration of Independence reminds us: there are still far too few images that can compete with this gift from a grandson of the once enemy. Thank you, Emanuel.
About the Artist: Emanuel Leutze
Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze (1816–1868) was a German-American history painter, born in Germany and raised in Philadelphia. He returned to Düsseldorf to train and work within the Romantic historical painting tradition. Deeply committed to the ideas of liberty and democracy, Leutze painted Washington Crossing the Delaware in 1851 as an inspiration to both American patriots and European liberals following the failed Revolutions of 1848.
He intended the painting to ignite revolutionary spirit and remind Americans of the courage and strategy that birthed the republic. Though German-born, Leutze’s vision helped shape one of America’s most iconic patriotic images.
Washington Crossing the Delaware, Emanuel Leutze painting, American Revolution art, 250th Independence, patriotic symbolism, historic painting, American heritage, Revolutionary War, July 4 art
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Washington’s surprise attack crossing
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Iconic American revolutionary paintings
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Emanuel Leutze German-American artist
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Washington Crossing the Delaware symbolism
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July 4th patriotic artwork for America
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Historic painting shipped after White House fire
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250th year of U.S. independence celebration
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Famous German-American artists in U.S. history
Image Information
“Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze – Heroic Moment, 1776, Oil on Canvas”
“Painting of George Washington standing in a boat during the surprise attack crossing the Delaware River, artwork by Emanuel Leutze, 1851.”
🧭 Location / Where to See the Painting:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
Visit the Painting at the MET
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Leutze, George Washington, American War of Independence, 1851, 250th Anniversary. 1776,
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