The Resume

(May 24, 1816-July 18, 1868)
Born in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Württemberg, Germany
German-American historical painter
Best-known for ‘Washington Crossing the Delaware’ (1851)
Other paintings include ‘Columbus Before theQueen (1843), ‘Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth’ (1854), and ‘Westward the Course of Empire Takes Its Way’ (1860)

Why he might be annoying:

He had only one year of formal instruction in art due to his anti-academic attitude.
Although ‘Washington Crossing the Delaware’ became a symbol of American patriotism, it was intended to inspire German liberals after their defeat in the Revolution of 1848.
’Washington Crossing the Delaware’ features the Continental soldiers flying the ‘Stars and Stripes,’ which would not be adopted as the American flag until six months later.
His original version of ‘Washington Crossing the Delaware’ was destroyed by an Allied bombing raid on Bremen (September 5, 1942).

Why he might not be annoying:

His family came to America to escape religious persecution (1825).
In his teens after his father died, he supported himself by selling portraits for $5 each.
His painting ‘Columbus in Chains’ won the gold medal at the Brussels Art Exhibit (1842).
’Washington Crossing the Delaware’ is one of the most iconic and frequently copied images of an American historical event.

Credit: C. Fishel

Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

• 19th Century Painters
• C. Fishel's Profiles [Series 80]
• I am on a U.S. Postage Stamp [H-L]
• Painters
• Profiles 51056-51250 (Ranked: 51132)

Year In Review:

For 2024, as of last weekly ranking, Out of 1 Votes: 100% Annoying
In 2023, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
In 2022, Out of 3 Votes: 0% Annoying
In 2021, Out of 5 Votes: 60.0% Annoying