Scroll or pinch to deep-zoom · powered by IIIF

Washington and His Staff at Valley Forge by Veron Fletcher and Edward Moran

Washington, George

This print was created in Philadelphia in the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War. Revolutionary War scenes are often used to convey patriotism. George Washington and five of his officers are featured in a scenic, snowy landscape. Valley Forge was headquarters for the Continental Army in 1777 and 1778 during the Revolutionary War and is infamous as the place where 2,500 American soldiers died during the winter from exposure and starvation. Based on the artist L. Veron Fletcher’s painting, which was exhibited at the Smithsonian in February 1855, the print was drawn on stone by Edward Moran, brother of noted artist Thomas Moran. The print came with a two-page key that included a biography on each of the soldiers and was meant to be educational. This scene highlights the heroic officers rather than depicting the gruesome hardships of war. The officers on horseback are the Marquis de Lafayette, Nathaniel Greene, Anthony Wayne, and Henry Knox. Standing in the background on the right is Col. John Brooks. It should be noted that Alexander Hamilton is not depicted though he was present at Valley Forge during the period. The building on the viewer's left was the headquarters, which was still standing at the time the print was drawn according to the key on the original sketch. Thousands of Americans had prints of Washington in their homes prior to the Civil War. But given the size and $15.00 cost- based on the advertisement by Hensel & Urwiler of Philadelphia- this chromolithograph was marketed for use in public buildings, well off schools, colleges, libraries, businesses such as an eating establishments, or by a wealthy individuals.

Date

1855

Type

lithograph

Medium

paper (overall material)

Department

NMAH

Institution

National Museum of American History

Object number

nmah_324895

Credit

Harry T. Peters "America on Stone" Lithography Collection