The Bivouac at Monmouth

Periodca. 1856

MediumSteel engraving on paper

Dimensions9.5 × 12.25 in. (24.1 × 31.1 cm)

InscribedInscribed bottom margin center, "The Bivouac at Monmouth. / From the original picture by A. Chappel in the possession of the Publisher. / Entered according to an act of Congress, AD 1856, by Martin, Johnson & Co., in the serials office of the district court of the southern district of N. York."

SignedInscribed lower right margin, " J. C. Buttre, Engraver." Inscribed lower left, "Martin, Johnson & Co. Publishers, N. Y."

ClassificationsPrints

Credit LineGift of William S. Holmes, 1932

Object number1985.502

DescriptionHistorical scene of George Washington sitting on a camp stool with a tree to the right and a camp fire to the left. Two soldiers rest behind him, one leaning on a sword. Horses are tied up in the right distance. A crescent moon rises on the horizon. Washington wears his full military uniform with jacket buttoned, and his cape thrown over the camp chair. He holds a spy glass in his lap.
Curatorial RemarksDuring the mid-nineteenth century, images of important events in George Washington’s official and social life were highly popular. As in this example, they usually featured him as the central figure with a realistic likeness. The print was engraved by John Chester Buttre (1821 - 1893) after an oil by Alonzo Chappel (1828 - 1887), a prolific historical painter and illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. It represents a moment when, in the wake of the battle, the Redcoats pulled back towards Monmouth Courthouse. Washington and his weary troops set up a temporary camp on the battlefield, with plans to attack the British the next day. The Americans were so fatigued by the fighting and the heat that they remained unaware of Clinton’s escape until dawn. Strangely, given the intense heat, Washington is shown in full military uniform with his jacket buttoned and his cape draped over his camp chair.NotesThe inspiration for Alonzo Chappel’s oil painting may have been Jared Sparks’s Life of Washington (1839; Chappel owned a copy of the 1855 edition), which stated: “Wrapped in his cloak, [Washington] passed the night on the field of battle in the midst of his soldiers.”

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