Eli Wilner framing Washington Crossing the Delaware

[EliWilner1]

After a long wait, this incredible new frame is now on public view! As Morley Safer explains, this is a truly historic reunion between one of our most beloved American paintings and the frame the artist intended. You won’t miss it when you see the newly reopened American Wing.

[LovesArtHistory]

Fabulous piece on a beautiful painting and frame. It is an iconic image. A new painting of this event by Mort Kunstler was just unveiled last week at the New-York Historical Society on the anniversary of the event. Kunstler was praised by historians for painting the most accurate depiction ever of George Washington crossing the Delaware. Harold Holzer of the Metropolitan Museum of Art said Kunstler is the best-known and most respected historical artist in this country.

[admx94]

Proud to have that symbolic image on the NJ state quarter.  ...where of course; Washington was headed. I live minutes away from where he crossed.

[Shubael1809]

This segment gave me a shiver up the spine it's so significant. Combining the painting's restorer's reaction to the working on the painting and the President's reference to this moment in history during his Inaugural Speech is patriotism at its most legitimate. Now this is truly how the French admired this country in its first century. Between this and the Statue of Liberty (two icons of Americanism) we owe the French a great deal.

[jmcfinearts]

I have always loved this painting, with all it's discrepencies and flaws. It's how the artist captures the spirit, and the determination in the face of what easily could have been a disaster, that is more important than if the ice is quite right. Most people forget that with the 1 year enlistments set to expire in only a weeks time, Washington's crossing that night was do or die, and borderlining on desperation.All would probably have been lost had he failed.Truly inspiring, flaws and all.

[EliWilner1]

I have been dreaming of framing this painting for 30 years. It is wonderful to see it happening!

[Shubael1809]

@EliWilner1 Only you, sir, would be capable of this work and this level of excellence.  I know you only by name from my great friend A. H. at "The Gilder's Studio" in New Hampshire. Bravo, bravissimo. The words "plaster" and "polish" in the piece got to me a bit but otherwise a fine video!

[zsmeaton]

This has been such an incredible project- the project of a lifetime. There is such pleasure in knowing that the age-old processes of woodworking, carving and water-gilding are alive and well in our studio. I cannot wait to see the painting and frame together when the American paintings galleries reopen in January 2012!

[ec7bklyn]

nice work- impressive craftsmanship! looking forward to see such an impressive frame united with this iconic painting

[rothryanart]

Great Video!!!

[jasnycity]

What an amazing project. I can't wait to see the this wonderful painting & frame reunited at the Met.

[leed186]

I find it amazing how the framers can rebuild a frame based of an old black and white photo and be able to recreate every bit of detail of the original frame. this frame will truly resurrect a historical piece of art.

[patarovich]

This is an interesting story about giving an icon of American painting a proper setting. I am looking forward to seeing the grand unveiling at the Met in 2011!

[lstewart5884]

It is great that such an important piece of history can be brought back to life! By putting Leutze's masterpiece in a replica of the original frame it truly shows the great ties we can have between the past and present.

[VolleyJen14]

What an impressive and beautiful project!! To be able to see it as it is meant to be viewed is so important to preserve the history of the painting and frame.

[fodderoni]

Too bad this video was spoiled by Ofraud quoting Washington. Washington would have had him tried for treason as a BRITISH citizen usurper. Now we must summon Washington's intrepid spirit to stand up to the communist takeover led by Ocommie.