The artwork “Washington After the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey” by Charles Willson Peale, dated 1782, is an oil painting on canvas created in the Rococo style. This portrait, which falls within the genre of portraiture, is currently located at the Princeton University Art Museum (PUAM) in Princeton, NJ, US.
The artwork depicts a composed and triumphant figure, who is standing confidently with one hand resting on a cannon and the other on his hip, symbolizing his leadership and victory. The subject is attired in a military uniform, with a blue sash and gold epaulettes, reflecting his high rank and status. Behind him, there are elements of the battlefield, including a horse draped with a flag and military equipment, signifying the aftermath of the Battle of Princeton during the American Revolutionary War. The background shows a distant horizon with troops and a softly lit sky, emphasizing the historic and victorious nature of the scene. The meticulous detail and compositional elements reflect Peale’s skill in capturing both the likeness and the spirit of the historical figure.
