Washington and His Officers at Newburgh Receiving News of Peace
Based on the inscription, this watercolor sketch was made as a study for a painting. It is set at Washington's Headquarters in Newburgh, New York. Hasbrouck House, which served as the General’s headquarters during the final year of the American Revolution— from 1782 to 1783— still stands and is now a historic site. It was there, following his famous Newburgh Address of March 1783 that ended a mutiny, that Washington received news that the Continental Congress had officially ratified the preliminary peace treaty with Great Britain on April 15, 1783, and it is this scene which the artist portrays. Moran produced numerous works for illustration throughout his career, and the painting may have been intended for an art calendar.
SignedAt lower proper right corner, within the graphite border, in light graphite: “PERCY MORAN,” with a swastika/whirling log symbol.
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)