The Hour of Victory

Status

On view

Datec. 1914

Artist Edward Percy Moran (American, 1862 - 1935)

Subject George Washington (American, 1732 - 1799)

Geography Made - United States

Medium/TechniqueOil on canvas, gilt wood

DimensionsOverall: 39 1/4 in. × 49 3/8 in. × 2 7/8 in. (99.7 cm × 125.41 cm × 7.3 cm) Other: 29 1/2 in. × 39 1/4 in. (74.93 cm × 99.7 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel H. Sheppard, 2006

Object numberM-4535

DescriptionHistory painting of George Washington and his army on the early dawn march to Trenton, December 26, 1776. Washington is shown astride a dappled gray horse (Blueskin) in the center of a large group of figures, both mounted and on foot, that extend diagonally from the proper left corner to the proper right. He is clothed in a navy and buff continental army uniform, with buff gloves and black tricorn hat and boots, a red and black cape, and sword. Washington appears contemplative, while other figures make dynamic gestures. Another mounted figure, likely an aide-de-camp, is on a chestnut horse just to Washington’s proper right, and gesturing to proper right. At proper left, a young drummer, in a red coat, makes eye contact with the viewer. Just behind him is another drummer, with infantry, a flag bearer, and cavalry behind them. The background is a sunrise-pinkened blue sky with four birds; the pink of the sky reflects on the snow-covered brown and green earth of the foreground.
SignedAt lower proper right, in black paint: “-Percy Moran-,” with a swastika/whirling log symbol, and at the verso as noted below.
Published ReferencesRaymond H. Robinson, “The Marketing of an Icon,” in Barbara Mitnick, ed. George Washington: American Symbol (Hudson Hills Press, New York, 1999), 109-121. (General Reference)

Barbara Mitnick, “Paintings for the People,” in Picturing History: American Painting 1770-1930 (New York: Rizzoli in association with Fraunces Tavern Museum, 1993). (General Reference)

The National Cyclopedia of American Biography, Vol X (New York: James T. White and Company, 1909), 367. (General Reference)

Markings1.) On reverse, in ink, visible through a window in the Foamcore backing: “The Hour of Victory” / Washington and his army on the march to Trenton./Dec. 26, 1776./Percy Moran. (swastika)/105 East 78th St. New York.” 2.) At upper center of the reverse of the frame, visible through a window in the Foamcore backing, a fragment of printed paper reads: “PICTURE FOR REPRODUCTION/ [G]ERLACH-BARKLOW CO.”

Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.