"Valley Forge- Washington & Lafayette" Engraving, Published by Johnson, Wilson & Co., 1874

Presented is an original engraving titled "Valley Forge: Washington & Lafayette," published by Johnson, Wilson & Co. in 1874, after the celebrated painting by Alonzo Chappel. The composition captures General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette in conference during the brutal winter encampment at Valley Forge. Washington, clad in uniform and wrapped in a blanket, stands beside Lafayette in a heavy winter coat. Behind them, a sparse encampment stretches into the distance beneath gusting winds.

This dramatic engraving emphasizes the extraordinary privations endured by the Continental Army at Valley Forge. In the foreground, a small group of soldiers gathers around a meager campfire, several without shoes and bundled in worn blankets against the cold. Other figures stand snowy watch or tend to artillery in the background, reinforcing the bleak conditions that tested both the army's endurance and its resolve during the winter of 1777 to 1778. The engraving vividly illustrates the hardships described by Washington Irving in Life of Washington: “Hungry and cold were the poor fellows who had so long been keeping the field . . . provisions were scant, clothing was worn out, and so badly were they off for shoes, that the footsteps of many might be tracked in blood.” 

Despite these extraordinary hardships, the encampment at Valley Forge became a defining demonstration of steadfast leadership and perseverance. Washington and Lafayette remained with their soldiers throughout the long winter, sharing in their trials while keeping intact the discipline and unity of the Continental Army. Chappel's composition captures both the suffering of the encampment and the fortitude of two leaders and their soldiers. 

CONDITION:
Near fine condition. Engraving. Black and white, with full margins. Titled "Valley Forge- Washington & Lafayette." in the bottom title. Publisher’s line "Entered according to act of Congress A.D. 1874 by Johnsons, Wilson & Co. in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington." just below the engraved image in the bottom margin. Paper is healthy, save light toning along the very outer paper edge, several small spots of paper fingerprint smudges. One foxing mark along the right side. Clean paper. Faint remnants of glue along the bottom margin, from where originally hinged in a book.

Engraving is archivally framed in a custom-built black and brushed gold wooden frame, with gray acid-free top mats, and UV glass. 

Framed Dimensions: 12 1/4" H x 13 7/8" W x 1" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.