A Rediscovered Rendering of the Crossing
The 15’6” by 9’8” mural, in need of restoration and repair, in the care of conservator Christyl Cusworth (second from right, with WCPA trustees).
A stunning George Matthews Harding mural of Washington’s troops crossing the Delaware on December 25, 1776 has been rediscovered.
Harding was an American muralist and combat artist who worked in both World Wars. In 1921, he was commissioned to paint a mural of Washington’s Crossing, which graced the Taylor Opera House in Trenton, New Jersey for fifty years.
In 1971 the theater was demolished, but first the painting was carefully removed and stored — and essentially forgotten for half a century.
One of our trustees rediscovered the mural in 2021, one hundred years after it was painted.
A detail, mid-cleaning.
An artist’s rendering of the mural’s placement in the new Visitors Center and Museum.
The State of NJ has enthusiastically agreed to hang the mural in its new Visitor’s Center and Museum, scheduled for completion by 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding.
The WCPA HAS raised nearly $90,000 to have this painting restored, moved and framed.
Donors of $10,000 or more will be recognized on a permanent plaque that is part of or adjacent to the plaque describing the artwork.
A May, 2023 presentation for the Mercer County Library System.
An excellent view of the composition, from “History of the George Washington Bicentennial,” 1932.
The Artists
George Matthews Harding studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the University of Pennsylvania.
If you would like to learn more about the artist click here.
Our conservationist, Christyl Cusworth, is based out of Lambertville, New Jersey and has extensive experience restoring fine works of art.