Analysis Of Emanuel Leutze s Painting - 967 Words

Emanuel Leutze’s painting depicts George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, crossing the Delaware River with his men on Christmas night, 1776 in order to surprise attack the Hessians at Trenton. Leutze’s portrait reflects some of the ideals represented by Thomas Jefferson, as well enlightenment thinkers John Locke and Jean Jacques Rousseau and perfectly demonstrates the role the American Revolution played in the shift from the medieval period into the early modern period. Firstly, Leutze s portrait illustrates Washington’s leadership skills as a commander. For instance, Washington’s confidence and bravery is demonstrated in the painting through his stance and posture. He stands over his army with one foot placed on the edge of the boat and his head help up high while overlooking the turbulent seas ahead, leading his men into battle. In addition, Washington’s body language illustrates his perseveran ce and fortitude in that the harsh weather, represented in the painting via the dark clouds and thick ice, is not going to stop him or his men from achieving their goal of defeating the British and attaining their independence. The rough seas in the portrait can be seen as just another obstacle in their path that they must overcome in their journey in order to attain their goal. Washington and his men continued to fight through these difficult times, even if it meant putting their lives in danger, showing courage, endurance,