"The Midnight Retreat" Etching by Levon West, 1932

Presented is a 1932 etching of “The Midnight Retreat” by Levon West. The etching was issued as part of The Bicentennial Pageant of George Washington Portfolio, published by the George Washington Memorial Association, and is signed by Levon West in the lower right corner. The etching depicts General George Washington's retreat and crossing of the Delaware River on December 7, 1776. At the top, Washington and Colonel Glover, both on horseback, watch over the nighttime crossing from the dark shoreline as a third man holds a torch.  In the foreground, a boat full of soldiers push away from the banks, while another boat ferries a cannon.

During the fall of 1776, British troops under General William Howe forced the Continental Army to evacuate Manhattan and to retreat southwest across New Jersey.  Numbering about 3,000 men, Washington’s army escaped across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania on the night of December 7.  Washington eventually relocated to the Keith House near McConkey’s Ferry, and ordered nearby troops to come reinforce him and his troops. Washington's army suffered from sickness, low soldier morale, injuries, and desertion. Knowing that the majority of the militia’s period of service was about to expire on the 31st of December, it was imperative that Washington craft a strategic and offensive next move. He planned a three-pronged crossing of the river for the night of December 25, to be followed by an attack on Trenton before sunrise. The surprise attack was successful, proving to be a major victory and providing the much-needed morale boost for Americans to re-enlist.  

This print was part of The Bicentennial Pageant of George Washington portfolio, a suite of 20 etchings, each by a different artist, depicting scenes from George Washington’s life. Other prominent printmakers who participated included Arthur Heintzelman, Samuel Chamberlain, and Childe F. Hassam.  The original portfolio was presented to President Herbert Hoover at the White House.  It was also published in an edition of 1,000 by the George Washington Memorial Association, Inc., on paper with a “G.W” watermark done as a facsimile of Washington’s signature.

Levon West (1900-1968) was an American artist, photographer, and printmake. He was born in Centerville, South Dakota in 1900. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1924 and studied at the Art Student’s League and with Joseph Pennell the following year. West was a member of the Society of American Etchers and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. His work is in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the New York Public Library, the Brooklyn Museum, the Havemeyer Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and many others. 

CONDITION:

Overall good condition. Artist’s signature appears lower right margin. No significant signs of surface wear or tears. Unframed Dimensions: 19 5/8" H x 14 3/4" W (sheet).

Archivally framed in a custom built frame with acid-free mat and UV glass. Framed Dimensions: 21 3/4" H x 17 1/2" W x 1 1/8" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.