Washington Crossing the Delaware
Emanuel Leutze · 1851
Why it's great
George Washington stands boldly in a boat full of soldiers crossing an icy river on Christmas night in 1776, before a surprise attack on enemy troops. Leutze painted it in Germany, and it's much larger than a car. Experts note details that aren't accurate, but it became the best-known picture of the American Revolution. It's a classic example of heroic history painting.
🏛️ Part of history
The American Revolution (1765–1783) — On Christmas night 1776, Washington's army crosses an icy river for a surprise attack on Trenton.
Where to see it
📍 Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York City, United States
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Emanuel Leutze was born in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany, and moved to the United States as a child. He later studied in Düsseldorf, Germany, and lived there for years while painting American history scenes. He returned to the U.S. in 1859 and worked in Washington, D.C. His painting of Washington crossing the Delaware became a national icon.
