Washington Crossing the Delaware 1700 - 1900

Robert Lovett created this embossed print of Washington Crossing the Delaware in the early 19th century. Rather than using ink, the image is formed by pressing the paper from behind, creating a raised relief. The process gives the scene a ghostly, ethereal quality. It's a stark contrast to the famous oil painting by Emanuel Leutze, which is full of dramatic color and movement. Here, the figures are flattened, almost like paper dolls, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the event rather than its gritty reality. Embossing was a popular technique for creating decorative and commemorative images in the 19th century. It allowed for the relatively quick production of multiple copies. Looking closely, you can see the incredible amount of labor involved in creating this image. It makes us think about the many hands involved in the production of historical narratives, and how different techniques can shape our understanding of the past. It also challenges our assumptions about the hierarchy of art.