The Crossing Reimagined: History Through Artists’ Eyes
DATE: Wednesday 9/16/26 TIME: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
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German American artist Emanuel Leutze (1816–1868) conveyed his vision of George Washington’s 1776 crossing of the Delaware River in his famous painting Washington Crossing the Delaware. Created nearly a century after the event, the work presents a dramatic and idealized portrayal of Washington’s leadership and has become one of the most iconic examples of American history painting.
In more recent years, modern and contemporary artists have revisited this larger-than-life image, offering new interpretations. These perspectives reexamine the historical realities of the crossing and draw attention to the individuals and stories absent from Leutze’s composition.
Join Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest Chief Curator Laura Igoe for an exploration of this celebrated painting. Who are the figures depicted, and how closely does the scene reflect historical reality?