Centennial of Breaking Camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

About this artwork

Jean-Baptiste Joseph Pater's 'Halte des Troupes (Soldiers and Women in an Encampment)' exemplifies 18th century French Rococo interest in military genre scenes. Attributed to Pater (1695-1736, Valenciennes-Paris), this etching depicts soldiers and women in camp setting, popular Rococo subject matter combining military life with gallant themes. Sheet measuring 6 7/8 x 8 3/4 inches shows Pater's skill in translating painted compositions to print medium. Student and follower of Jean-Antoine Watteau...

Art Historical Context

This bronze medal, titled *Centennial of Breaking Camp at Valley, Pennsylvania*, was created by William Barber in 1878 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. Valley Forge, where General George Washington's Continental Army endured a brutal winterment from 1777 1778, symbolized resilience and rebirth. On June 19, 1778, the troops broke camp, emerging disciplined and ready to confront British forces, marking a turning point toward victory. Barber, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, captured this historic event in a compact form, with ta...

About the Artist

William Barber · 1807–1879

William Barber, born on May 2, 1807, in London, England, honed his skills as an engraver under the tutelage of his father, John Barber, a fellow practitioner in the craft.) Early in his career, he crafted embossing dies for De La Rue & Co. and worked on silver plate tableware. In September 1852, Barber emigrated to the United States, settling first in Boston, where he spent a decade employed in en...