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Washington Crossing the Delaware

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This image shows Washington crossing the Delaware River to attack the British in 1776. There is a wooden boat in the center of the river, surrounded by huge pieces of ice. The boat contains twelve men, all bundled up and sitting alone within the side and middle sections of the boat. They are almost all rowing with wooden oars.

General Washington is standing with his sword strapped to his side, and his gaze is looking off to the land in front of him. By his side is another officer, who is holding the American flag.

The sky is painted a light blue, with heavy clouds. In the background, there are multiple other boats and men rowing across the icy waters. 

When looking at this painting, consider the following questions:

  • What season is this painting taking place in? What clues do you notice that help you infer your answer?
  • Why is Washington standing up in the boat? Why might Washington be significant at this moment?
  • How does this tell the story of the Battles of Trenton and Princeton? 
  • When was this painting created? What was going on in America and the world at that time?

This image shows Washington crossing the Delaware River to attack the British in Trenton. It was painted by Emanuel Leutze in 1851.

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