5 Paintings of the Revolutionary War

By Amelia Hamilton Published on July 4, 2015

Art has always documented the important moments in history. The moments that move and define us, the moments that change the world. The fight for liberty that was America’s move from colony to country was a monumental shift in the relationship between government and citizen, and one for which we fight to maintain today. 

As we approach Independence Day, here are 5 paintings that depict our country’s journey to freedom.

1. The Boston Tea Party

On December 6, 1773, patriot group The Sons of Liberty destroyed a shipment of tea sent by the East India Company to protest the Tea Act. This act of disobedience to England set off a chain of events that led to the First Continental Congress

Boston Tea Party

This 1789 engraving of The Boston Tea Party is by E. Newberry.

2. The Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress announced that America was free. That the 13 American colonies were now 13 states in the independent United States of America.

Signing of The Declaration of Independence

This painting by John Trumbull, commissioned in 1817, commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

3. Washington Crossing the Delaware

Our journey to freedom was not an easy one. On the night of December 25 1776, General George Washington led a surprise attack against Hessian forces in New Jersey. The Battle of Trenton took place on December 26, resulting in a pivotal win for the Continental Army.

Washington Crossing the Delaware

This iconic image of Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emmanuel Leutze was painted in 1851.

4. The American Flag

Every nation needs a banner under which to fight, a sign that they are fighting for something bigger than themselves. The early American flag, dated to 1777, was similar to the flag we still wave today. The only significant difference is that it had only 13 stars, one for each colony, arranged in a circle. This flag is popularly attributed to Betsy Ross, although the historical accuracy of that is in question.

Betsy Ross Flag

This painting from 1920 shows Betsy Ross sewing that original flag. The painting, by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris depicts Betsy Ross showing her work to General George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross. 

5. Surrender at Yorktown 

In October 1781, British forces were defeated at Yorktown and surrendered. Negotiations began which would lead to the end of the American Revolution, and the beginning of our life as a free nation.

Surrender of Cornwallis

This painting by John Trumbull shows Lord Cornwallis surrendering to French (left) and American (right) forces. In reality, he claimed to be ill and missed the surrender ceremony.

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