Jason Gong
Comparative Essay:
“Washington Crossing the Delaware” Comparison
By the end of 1776, The Americans fight for independence was going downhill, with the loss of the Battle of Brooklyn, New York City, and forts like Washington and Lee. Things were looking grim, Americans were losing hope, and people were beginning to desert the cause. It was the eleventh hour, and Washington needed a victory, for the minutemen were clocking out. In attempt to turn the tide, Washington ordered his men to cross over to New Jersey by ferry, and attack the Hessians (Hired German auxiliary troops) stationed at Trenton. On Christmas Day, with inclement weather raging, and low supplies, the Americans claimed victory. This morale boosting victory was immortalized in the painting, “Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Leutze. While some aspects of the painting was seen as inaccurate, new artist renditions show what the scene may have looked like. By using new accounts and artifacts uncovered, shows what the scene would have been, and how those differences change our understanding of the event. From Dolan Michael’s academic article, a new artist representation by Mort Künstler is shown with a more accurate painting. Some key changes, was the usage of ferry transportation of the soldiers, as well as the cannon, the guidance by wire, and the body motion of the people. Three articles published from 1776, to as recent as 1972 used in the comparison describes the atmosphere of the scene, a story from the event, and an article of notable problems with the original painting. Using this, we can find out what it was really like during those haggard moments.
Published in December 1776, this article from the Massachusetts Spy article “New-Haven, November 27” is a report of the British army converging onto the Fort Lee. “A large detachment from the enemy’s army, supposed to be about 14,000 crossed North River.” (“New-Haven, November 27”). This excerpt shows the force the patriots were facing before the crossing of the Delaware. It gives a look of what the patriots were facing, and how they would feel after the loss of Fort Lee. “Finding them much superior in number, they retired,” (“New-Haven, November 27”). This other excerpt from the news article is another example of how the patriots saw the overwhelming force coming towards them. Just by reading those two parts, you can envision the morale of the patriots, including General Washington. Low morale, cold and battered from retreat. It would seem almost impossible for a general, even Washington, to still stand tall with pride and determination, after lost after lost. In the original painting, Washington is seen standing tall with determination, looking forward for the next battle. His men, paddling with hope for victory. But in Dolan Michael’s academic article, with the new representation by Mort Künstler, the painting shows the beat up militia all huddling for warmth, crouching down for a quick rest bracing for the battle of Trenton. Even Washington with his arm tucked over his chest shows that he is bracing himself. An arm crossed over the chest usually represents a barrier from someone or something they do not enjoy, or afraid of. Using the Massachusetts Spy article “New-Haven, November 27” showed how Washington and his army should of felt leading to the crossing of the Delaware. Washington should've felt little determined, and scared for the outcome of the next battle, not prideful.
Another way to find differences and or validate events, is through stories. Published in December 1953, by the Dallas Morning News, the newspaper story “Washington’s Crossing of Delaware Relieved” is a dramatized commentary of a reenactment of the Crossing of the Delaware. While this article may not be as accurate, one thing idea is seen with many stories, and accounts. “The fortunes of the revolution are ebbing. The great cause is humiliated. Here is an army existing on it’s nerves.” (Washington’s Crossing of Delaware Relieved). What this shows and confirms that hope was deteriorating quickly. The rest of the article goes on talking more about the continental army suffering through the bitter december. This sure description of the scene shows the atmosphere of the soldiers. Lost, hopeless, and ready to quit once the end of their tour.
Other than observing the scene, and the situation, looking at physical evidence also helps look back at the past. Published in February 1972 by the Trenton Evening Times, the article “What’s Wrong with Painting Of The Crossing?” discusses the aspects of the painting by Emanuel Leutze, and how certain parts cannot be historically, or physically possible. Using this we can look back at what the crossing was really like. “The boat is the wrong shape. “Durham” boats, long, canoe shaped craft.” (What’s Wrong with Painting Of The Crossing?). The article explains how the durham boats were used for transport freight. The boat pictured in Emanuel Leutze’s painting was the wrong shape. Comparing to the Mort Künstler interpretation used in Dolan Michael’s academic article, The use of ferry boats is more accurate, because of the size allowing for the number of soldiers to be on board, and transportation of the cannons. Other anomalies that do not match the scene and time, was the flag. “The Stars and Stripes flag being held by Lieutenant James Monroe, directly behind Washington was not authorized by Congress until June 1777.” (What’s Wrong with Painting Of The Crossing?). A more accurate flag that was flown prior to the iconic Betty White flag, could of been the liberty tree flag, or an early version of the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag. Other contents from the article discuss more inaccuracy of the painting, like positioning of the soldiers and muskets during the cold. Using this information from the article, helped point historically and inaccurate attributes during the crossing in December 25, 1777.
After extracting evidence from these sources, It becomes obvious of the historical inaccuracy of Emanuel Leutze’s painting of “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” Breaking it down and comparing it to a more period correct painting by Mort Künstler in Dolan Michael’s academic article, brings more details to the crossing. Cold Weather and constant defeat made the soldiers and General Washington should of made them feel uncertainty, and lowly. Incruste aspects in the boats, and posture of soldiers disprove the accuracy of the painting. Referring to Emanuel Leutze’s painting was however most likely not supposed to be viewed as a historically accurate, but as a painting of determination during the worst times, and beating the odds. It’s real intentions were to inspire and conquer, not provide an accurate scene in the American Revolution.
Bibliography
Dolan, Michael. “Washington Crossing the Delaware.” American History 47, no. 2 (June 2012): 29. https://ezproxy.occlib.nocccd.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=31h&AN=74011227&site=ehost-live.
"New-Haven, November 27." Massachusetts Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts), December 4, 1776: [3]. NewsBank.
lTrenton Evening Times (Trenton, New Jersey), February 20, 1972: 124. NewsBank.
"Washington's Crossing of Delaware Relived." Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), December 26, 1953: 2. NewsBank.