PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Washington Crossing the Delaware is an oil on canvas painting by Emmanuel Leutze. Leutze was a German - American artist who lived from 1816 until 1868; Washington Crossing the Delaware was created in 1851 (metmuseum.org). The painting is 12ft 5in. by 21ft. 3in and is in good condition; there does not appear to be any damage. Washington Crossing the Delaware is currently on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. It is displayed in a gallery with other American paintings from the same time period. The top part of the painting consists of grey clouds with sunlight and sky streaming through. On the horizon and far off into the background of the painting there are hills. The hills are a good example of the artist’s use of atmospheric perspective: since the hills are so far away, they appear blue. Also in the background and off to the right side there are boats full of people and horses. These boats in the
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The use of diagonal lines is a way to show drama. In Washington Crossing the Delaware there are many diagonal lines. For example, many of the people in the boat with Washington are leaning off the edge or trying to keep their balance while riding in the boat that is sailing through the waves, so the sides of their bodies are diagonal lines. The implied dram could be that they are on their way to fight a battle and they are unsure of the outcome and level of violence.
Diagonal lines could also be used like arrows; they point toward the subject of the painting or something else the artist wants the viewer to notice. The oars that are moving the boats are diagonal lines that are pointing toward Washington. The flag also has diagonal lines that are pointing toward Washington. Since the flag is next to Washington, the oars are drawing attention to it as well, letting the viewer know that it is an American battle.
Line
The use of diagonal lines is a way to show drama. In Washington Crossing the Delaware there are many diagonal lines. For example, many of the people in the boat with Washington are leaning off the edge or trying to keep their balance while riding in the boat that is sailing through the waves, so the sides of their bodies are diagonal lines. The implied dram could be that they are on their way to fight a battle and they are unsure of the outcome and level of violence.
Diagonal lines could also be used like arrows; they point toward the subject of the painting or something else the artist wants the viewer to notice. The oars that are moving the boats are diagonal lines that are pointing toward Washington. The flag also has diagonal lines that are pointing toward Washington. Since the flag is next to Washington, the oars are drawing attention to it as well, letting the viewer know that it is an American battle.