In Emanuel Leutze Historic painting of George Washington Crossing the Delaware River he uses various techniques to emphasize his message. Leutze uses his interpretation of Washington and his leadership to inspire his creation of what he believes the attack of Trenton on December 25th 1776 looked like. By looking at the techniques such as contrasts in colors and placement, we can see American Patriotism on full display, which is important because it creates a sense of national pride in American citizens. 

In Leutze painting the first thing that pops out is the contrast of light colors from the darker ones. In the foreground the colors are dark and bleak, the water is murky and the boat Washington is riding on looks black instead of brown. Continuing up the photo into the upper half starting at Washington’s waste the colors begin to grow brighter into lighter colors. These contrast from murky, dark colors too bright can be a symbolic representation of the times during the American revolution. The bottom half of the photo the murky water can represent the tyranny taking place with King George and the troubles of that time. The upper half of the photo represents the future and how with the right leadership can be bright and uplifting. Washington’s head in the photo is surrounded by white clouds. White in western culture symbolizes purity and positivity. Having Washington’s head in the clouds symbolizes Washington’s outlook for the country and the how bright the future can be for this nation if under the right leadership. 

Leutze also in his use of colors captures the Patriotism that this photo conveys. The three prominent colors in this picture are red, white, and blue, which happen to be the colors that make up the American flag. The color red typically represents strength, power, war, and determination. The color red is significant because it is a power color, and demonstrates strength. The color red is seen in the painting just over George Washington’s shoulder, which Leutze uses to represent Washington’s determination and strength in fighting for independence against tyranny taking place in the revolutionary war. The color white represents purity and has a positive connotation around it. The color white is present in the sky around Washington’s head and just upon the horizon. The white represents the intentions of Washington by trying to bring a nation under tyranny into an independent free nation who is ruled by the voices of the people instead of the voice of a king or queen. Lastly the color blue is prominent in this painting which can be seen on Washington’s shirt and in the sky. Blue typically represents stability, wisdom, and is a calming color. The blue on Washington represents his superior experience and intellect which played a major role in the how an army made up of untrained militia ended up winning in the revolt against the powerhouse Great Britain at the time. The blue in the sky represents the stability that has existed in the United States of America since the American Revolution happened for the last two hundred plus years. 

Combined the three colors of red, white, and blue, are the colors that make up the American flag which is the main symbol of American patriotism. Leutze place the American flag dead in the center of the painting. Leutze uses this placement of the flag as a way to emphasize that the flag is the most important aspect of the painting. The flag is also placed higher than any other object in the photo, even higher than Washington which is symbolic, meaning that nobody, not even the founder of the nation is more important, or higher than the flag. The flag is a prominent symbol in American culture because it symbolizes freedom. The American flag represents the togetherness of our country and the power of determination which were two keys to winning the revolution. By working together Americans were able to fight against oppression together and win independence.   

Another aspect of Leutze painting is the placement of Washington in the painting. Leutze in the painting places Washington in the front of the photo ahead of all the other boats in the background. Leutze also places Washington higher up than all other people in the painting. Leutze does this as a way of showing Washington’s leadership and courage by fighting with the front lines unlike British generals and commanders at the time. Fighting in the front lines with the rest of the troops is a major moral boost for soldiers fighting. The idea that a commander is willing to die with his men as to accomplish a common goal is inspirational to the men fighting with him. Washington’s position in the photo is used by Leutze as a way off displaying Washington’s bravery and courageousness in the Revolutionary War. 

All in all, Leutze uses colors and placement in his painting to convey a patriotic and inspiring message to Americans who see it. Leutze is able to create a historical painting of an event that changed the course of the United States and the world. The message provided by Leutze is able to create a sense of American patriotism among citizens even after a hundred years since the painting was created. This ability to still provide an effective message for people, over a long period of time is evidence of a powerful message in what is a historic painting.
