Who painted The Passage of the Delaware?

The Passage of the Delaware was painted by Thomas Sully in 1819.

Where can I see The Passage of the Delaware?

The Passage of the Delaware is held by Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

What movement is The Passage of the Delaware?

The Passage of the Delaware is associated with American Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of The Passage of the Delaware?

Museum-quality prints of The Passage of the Delaware are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Passage of the Delaware

Thomas Sully , 1819

The Passage of the Delaware is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Thomas Sully. It dates from 1819 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Thomas Sully’s large‑scale oil canvas, completed in 1819, portrays General George Washington poised on horseback as his Continental forces begin to cross the icy Delaware River. Executed in a Neoclassical manner, the work captures the tense moments before the famed December 1776 maneuver that led to the Battle of Trenton.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on Washington, rendered in a dark coat trimmed with gold, his expression resolute as he surveys the troops. Surrounding riders and the silhouettes of boats convey the urgency of the night‑time crossing, emphasizing leadership and collective resolve amid harsh winter conditions.

Technique & Style

Sully employs strong chiaroscuro to model figures against a muted, snow‑filled sky, creating depth and dramatic contrast. The expansive canvas—over 12 feet high and 17 feet wide—allows for a panoramic view that balances detailed individual gestures with a sweeping atmospheric backdrop.

History & Provenance

Originally commissioned for the North Carolina State Capitol, the painting’s monumental dimensions proved unsuitable, leading to a mutual cancellation of the contract. It subsequently entered the Boston Museum’s collection, and after that institution closed in 1903, the work was bequeathed to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, where it remains on view.

Legacy

Sully’s depiction predates and anticipates the more widely known 1851 canvas by Emanuel Leutze, establishing an early visual template for the iconic Washington crossing narrative that would influence American historical painting for decades.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Thomas Sully

Thomas Sully was an English-American portrait painter. He was born in England, became a naturalized American citizen in 1809, and lived most of his life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, including in the Thomas Sully…