In the middle of the 1800's, Europe was in turmoil. The decisions made by the Congress of Vienna had merely been a "pacifier," and the infant states were beginning to outgrow their need to be pacified. The German Confederation was tired of the political and social orders which had been imposed, and they decided it was a time for change. In May of 1848, the German National Assembly met to discuss the idea of drawing a new constitution. Unsuccessful in the attempt, many leaders were forced out of the German Confederation and went to other countries, most notably the United States. Many revolutionists, however, remained in Germany including painter Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze. .
Leutze was a man who had always viewed the world from a different perspective. Born in Germany in 1816, Leutze's parents moved the family to the United States when he was a young child. Growing up in a country that was not far removed from a revolution, Leutze saw firsthand how influential a major political movement could be. In 1840, Leutze was afforded the opportunity to study in Germany and he promptly moved there. During his time in the German Confederation, Leutze began to take an interest in politics and in the idea of a revolution. When many had begun to give up hope after the National Assembly's failed attempt to construct a new constitution in 1848, Leutze decided to use his artistic talent to inspire the German people. .
The masterpiece with which he hoped to inspire the people of the German Confederation was his depiction of George Washington and the continental army crossing the Delaware River. Leutze envision that the painting, appropriately titled "Washington Crosses the Delaware," would give people the hope and realization that a successful revolution was still possible. .
The painting, which was completed in 1850, is a testament to the bravery and courage of Washington and his troops as they battled the frigid temperature of a cold December night on their march to attack the Hessian held town of Trenton.
