The artwork titled “George Washington with His Army Crossing the Delaware” was crafted by Edward Hicks in 1848. This painting belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is classified as a history painting.
The composition captures a momentous event during the American Revolutionary War, featuring George Washington as the central figure, heroically depicted on a white horse amidst a wintry nightscape. The general is accompanied by soldiers and horses, all engaged in the arduous task of crossing the frozen Delaware River. The somber, dark sky contrasts with the determined expressions and resolute posture of the figures, showcasing a scene of determination and perseverance. The painting utilizes simplified forms and a direct, unsophisticated style characteristic of the Naïve Art movement, effectively conveying historical narrative and patriotic fervor.
