Mabini, John Michael M.

PA-21

MIDTERM WRITTEN TASK #1

Washington Crossing the Delaware

Artist: Emanuel Leutze

Medium: Oil on canvas
Method: Impressionism

DESCRIPTION
The artwork portrays the scenic view of the filled with boats, soldiers that were sailing
and George Washington holding the American Flag while crossing the river in harsh freezing
conditions, the specific ray of flag pointing to the American Flag is also observable.

ANALYSIS
ELEMENTS OF ART/DESIGN
▪ Color = dark motif, brown, white, black, green
▪ Line = curved lines – boat and flag, zig-zag lines – waves and the mountains
▪ Shape = geometric/organic
▪ Form = organic forms
▪ Value = light source is at the upper side
▪ Space = crowded space
▪ Texture = rough

PRINCIPLES OF ART/DESIGN
• Unity = color, shape and line
• Balance = sailors-boat, river-cloud
• Contrast = black-white, curved-zigzag lines
• Emphasis = George Washington carrying the flag
• Movement = left to right, zig-zag lines of waves and of flag
• Rhythm = repeated curved pattern (river) repeated geometric pattern (Iceberg)
• Proportion = large boat with small boat

INTERPRETATION
The artist used the colors to give a spotlight to the main subject, the dark colors used in the
background specifically in the parts of the boat and the clouds made the use of bright colors an
emphasis to its direction where the light colors were used. When it comes to the effect of using
these colors it creates an uncomfortable feeling, due to the gloomy impression of colors in the
background but the addition of the beacon of light in the subject created a feeling of goosebumps
and the importance of the events.
The use of organic shapes and forms helped carved an elaborate expression of the
artwork. The elaborate form noticeable in shaping the clouds and ships helps visualize the event
especially with its three-dimensional portrayal of shapes and forms that forms an intricate design
in an artwork.
The use of lines serves as a dominant part of the artwork. The inclusion of zig-zag lines
helps create an uneasy feeling of harsh, nervous, and chaotic movement of the river’s current that
helps establish an impression of fast movement and critical to the accurate impression of the
artwork.

JUDGEMENT

1. Why do you think that this work has intrinsic value or worth? What is the value that you
find in the work(s)?
The Artwork possess intrinsic value because it possesses the elements and
principles of design specified in the formalist approach the artwork also possess
historical value for it narrates the events that occurred in the American History.
2. What kind of an effect do you think the work could have for others?
The artwork may impart the same feelings of nervous and suspense due to the
approach that it did paired with the historical context of the artwork.
3. Does the work lack value or worth? Why do you think this is so? Could the reason you
find the work lacking come from a poor use of the elements of art?
 The work does not lack value for it qualifies on the standards of the formalistic
approach, it is not because of the poor usage of the art elements but the poor appreciation
and interpretation of the artwork.
4. Could the subject matter be unappealing, unimaginative, or repulsive?
Yes, especially if someone who will look upon the artwork does not knew the
context that it needs in order to appreciate it fully.