For Immediate Release:
April 25, 2008
Monmouth County unveils historic painting
George Washington at Battle of Monmouth on display at County Clerk’s office
FREEHOLD – A reproduction of Emanuel Leutze’s famous 1854 painting of George Washington at the Battle of Monmouth is now on display in the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office at Market Yard, thanks to the Monmouth and Union County Clerks and members of the Steuben Society.
This 7-by-10 reproduction, created in the 1960s by an unknown Cuban artist, duplicates the image of Leutze’s “Washington Rallying the Troops at Monmouth.” The painting is owned by the Steuben Society, Peter Muehlenberg Unit 398, which decided to place the painting on indefinite loan to the Monmouth County Clerks’ Office.
“We are so pleased to provide a home for this dramatic painting – it has quite a story to tell,” said County Clerk M. Claire French. “The painting’s journey began with a call from Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, who explained that she knew of a unique and very large painting that needed a temporary home. Monmouth County staff have cleaned, framed and hung the painting, and we are happy to begin sharing it with the public today.”
The original famed painting is 23 feet by 13 feet, and hangs in the University of California Doe Library in Berkeley, CA. Emanuel Leutze also painted a miniature version, 5 feet by 8 feet, which is now property of the Monmouth County Historical Association, Freehold.
“The unveiling of the painting is a continuation of the county’s celebration of 325 years of history that kicked off in March,” Freeholder Director Lillian G. Burry said. “Monmouth County is rich in history and the fact that we have two versions of this dramatic event at Monmouth Battlefield helps us remember the courageous events of that late June battle in 1778.”
“Monmouth County is so rich in history that I cannot think of a better place for this painting,” Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow said. “The Monmouth County Clerk’s Office helps so many people, and now everyone who comes here will see this wonderful depiction of the Battle of Monmouth.”
The Steuben Society of America is to educate the public about matters of interest to American citizens of German descent and their families, to encourage their participation in civic affairs, and to perpetuate and enhance the understanding of the contributions made by such citizens to the development of the United States of America.
The county has focused upcoming historic events and activities together as a way to showcase the historic resources available to its residents. Events include a weekend tour of Monmouth County’s historic sites (May 3 and 4), park and library events, and opportunities to research the county’s archives for genealogy information.
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