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Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object name |
Painting |
Title |
Retreat to Victory |
Artist or maker |
Henry Hintermeister (1897-1970) |
Date |
1961 |
Place of origin |
Tuckahoe, New York |
Materials and techniques |
oil on canvas |
Physical description |
This picture recaptures the intensity of the actions surrounding that day in August 1776. Washington is pictured as he personally supervises the effectiveness of his plan to move all his men during the night, encouraging his troops. Standing in the swirling fog, that settled during dawn, Washinton stands, waiting for the last man to step aboard, he is the vision of courage, fortitude and inspiring confidence. |
Current exhibit |
Path to Liberty: The Emergence of a Nation |
Gallery label |
Path to Liberty: The Emergence of a Nation (2025): After being outflanked and overwhelmed by the British forces in Long Island, General George Washington recognized the dire situation and ordered a retreat. On the evening of August 29, Washington oversaw 9,000 of his Continental soldiers row back from Brooklyn to Manhattan. A thick fog settled over his men crossing the river at sunrise, causing low visibility that made navigation more difficult. Some soldiers on the Manhattan side also worried the British might use the fog to secretly attack returning troops. This painting depicts the Continental Army’s foggy morning landing on Manhattan. Washington, who stands in the center of the scene giving orders, was among the last to leave Brooklyn during the retreat. The Army managed to cross the river without any loss of life or supplies, or facing interference from the British. Those directly involved, including Lieutenant Tallmadge, viewed the retreat as an impressive success despite having lost their fortification on Long Island. |
Catalogue number |
1969.04.001 |
Collection name |
Paintings and Sculpture |
Credit line |
Gift of Charles Lauriston Livingston, Jr. in memory of one of his Revolutionary War ancestors Captai |
People |
Hintermeister, Henry Washington, George |
Subjects and places |
Long Island New York |