Anonymous
On the 23rd day of September 1780 the spy Major John Andre Adjutant General of the British Army was captured by John Paulding, David Williams, and Isaac Van Wart.
Major John André (1750-1780) was a British spy hanged during the American Revolution for assisting Benedict Arnold’s failed plot to surrender the fort at West Point, New York, to the British Army. This painting depicts the moment on September 23, 1780, when André was detained by armed militiamen near Tarrytown, New York, who discovered incriminating papers in his boot, revealing Arnold’s scheme to hand the fort over to the British in exchange for £20,300 and a brigadier’s commission. Sentenced to death, the dignity with which André accepted his fate endeared him to enemies. George Washington called André, “An accomplished man and gallant officer,” while Alexander Hamilton wrote, “Never perhaps did any man suffer death with more justice or deserve it less”.
The story of Major André became a popular subject for artists. Jacob Eichholtz, Thomas Sully, and Asher B. Durand [among others] painted scenes of his arrest. History has told the rest.
Measurement: 23" x 21.5"
Material: Oil on panel
Price: $3,500
SKU 1359-24
For More Information, Please Contact David Hillier at 978-597-8084 or email drh@aaawt.com.
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