George Washington astride white horse at center, Lord Cornwallis aside Washington’s horse. Armies of soldiers on either side. American flag flying right center. Reputed to be very rare (see label from reverse of frame. ) Written in pencil on reverse in script Upper Left area “Paul H. Mawdsley Hillsborogh, Calif Feb 1964” below that entry : Framed by William Rate Patchogue N.Y. April 25, 1914
Currier & Ives produced at least five prints illustrating the surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia in 1781. The surrender marked the end of the American Revolution and the birth of a new nation. In the same way that the lithograph of the Battle at Bunker’s Hill was created, this print’s composition is based on a painting of the same subject created by John Trumbull (1756-1843). The great masters of history painting, including Benjamin West, John Singleton Copley and Jacques-Louis David, influenced Trumbull, who became known for his paintings of the leaders and events of the Revolution. Trumbull captured the spirit of colonial troops in his works by intensely studying the battles and military heroes of the Revolution. Although not always historically accurate, the scenes are significant in that they represented heroic deeds of the colonials and the courage and strength of the newly independent nation.
