Learn how Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware embodies the motto, “E Pluribus Unum”—out of many, one, and strategically uses artistic license to promote democratic values.

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Why “Washington Crossing the Delaware”?

Painted in 1851, “Washington Crossing the Delaware” emerged a few years after Germany’s autocratic government quashed the revolutions of 1848-49. Following the division and defeat of loosely knit middle- and working-class factions, political persecution forced many Liberals into hiding, with many emigrating to the United States. Is this a history painting about another time and place, or does Leutze’s depiction of rebel defiance and sacrifice subtly challenge the status quo with a subversive message hidden in plain sight?

The boat’s crew represents the American people, with their varied regional clothing underscoring this diversity. The boat itself symbolizes the collective struggle and determination of the revolutionaries. This diversity and shared effort depict national unity, embodying the United States’ motto, “E Pluribus Unum”—out of many, one.

How do you teach an accurate history with a painting full of artistic license?

Leutze painted “Washington Crossing the Delaware” in hopes of inspiring his countrymen to adopt America’s democratic reforms. While he was careful to include many historically accurate artifacts, he did not let authenticity get in the way of being dramatic and expressive. Leutze used artistic license—the freedom to depart from the facts to create an effect—to mythologize this moment in history. How do you teach an accurate history with a painting full of artistic license?

Option 1: Unpack Leutze’s artistic embellishments and set the record straight with these online resources.

• “Artistic License” in the Look and Learn Gallery Walk: Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware.
• “10 Facts about Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware River” in George Washington’s Mount Vernon
• “History” in Washington Crossing Historic Park
• William Welsch’s “Christmas Night, 1776: How Did They Cross?”

Option 2: Embrace Leutze’s democratic symbolism by exploring how the individuals and groups represented in Washington’s crew contributed to the American Revolution. This learning module offers numerous readings from a range of historians and historical archives to support the stories of each crew member. The diversity in these online resources reflects the collective democratic contributions that shape American history. You can access these readings as you progress through the module or review them at the end.

Related resources

• Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware is in the MET’s collection. See their website for detailed information. Select the image to magnify.
• This interdisciplinary teacher’s resource offers a range of teaching moves and language for analyzing Washington Crossing the Delaware.
• This team-building game reviews key learnings from Washington Crossing the Delaware gallery walk.
• This Look and Learn Gallery Walk explores Leutze’s life and the art and events that inspired him to paint Washington Crossing the Delaware. Special attention is given to key historical events from the American Revolution and the first national motto, E Pluribus Unum.
• This sorting activity explores the distinct styles of art of four influential American artists from the mid 1800s — Albert Bierstadt, Eastman Johnson, Emanuel Leutze, and Worthington Whittredge.  
• This writing lesson uses Washington Crossing the Delaware to teach about artistic license.