The Triumph of Will. Valley Forge 1777
This sculpture by José Crespo depicts George Washington, one of the founding fathers of the United States, mounted on horseback. Crafted in bronze, the piece captures Washington in a majestic and contemplative pose, reflecting his leadership and bravery during the American War of Independence.
The detailing in the sculpture is meticulous, from the texture of Washington’s uniform to the muscles of the horse. Washington is dressed in his iconic military uniform, complete with a cape and tricorne hat, sitting upright and confident on his horse. The horse, depicted in a moment of calm, adds a sense of power and serenity to the piece.
The polished wooden base provides a warm and elegant contrast to the bronze, framing the work and enhancing its presence. The sculpture not only honors the historical figure of George Washington but also conveys the spirit of leadership and the commitment to freedom.
«In one of the hallways of the Pentagon in Washington, DC, there is a large-format copy (as one might expect in this building) of a painting by American artist William Trego, The March to Valley Forge. Every day, on my way to the office, I would walk past it and couldn’t help but stop to admire it.
The painting depicts George Washington on horseback, watching his army pass during the winter of 1777 as they marched toward Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, on their way to their winter camps.
That painting has something special, without a doubt. Besides being highly representative, it depicts a pivotal moment in the U.S. War of Independence. It shows the Continental Army, poorly equipped, overcoming despair and the harsh conditions of the winter of 1777 to emerge, six months later, as a well-trained force ready for combat against an enemy that was theoretically far superior.
This painting symbolizes the triumph of will and the birth of a nation. It represents values of self-confidence and resilience that can still be observed in the American people today, regardless of their race or creed, as well as a deep devotion to a leader that is embedded in the daily life of this country. Something from another world…
All of this seemed to me the perfect inspiration for a figure.
I started the sculpture in early 2011, but I left it half-finished for more than a year and a half. For one reason or another, I couldn’t find the time to work on it. However, having it on my desk for so long allowed me to think about it extensively. I finally finished it in November 2012.
While my initial intention was to replicate the image from the painting exactly, I later decided to alter the posture of the rider and horse. Translating a two-dimensional image from a painting into a three-dimensional figure presents its own challenges, as details or flaws that aren’t noticeable in a painting become magnified in a sculpture.
In the end, I decided to add a personal touch and tried to incorporate an element not visible in the painting: the wind, represented in the movement of the horse and the rider’s cloak. I hope I succeeded…
Moreover, there’s no doubt that the figure contains elements reminiscent of Mariano Benlliure. And others…
I believe this is the most detailed and complete figure I’ve made to date.»
José Crespo
