Restoration of Washington Crossing the Delaware

The painting was sealed at its creation in 1851, then again in 1947, and a third time in 2010. With the first two sealings, certain parts of the painting were obscured because the resin or wax was not meant for use a century later. 

Two conservators restored the painting and revealed its past, including the light dawn sky, the ice floes, and the morning star in the sky. They also used x-ray technology to see Leutze's work on the piece, including his changes to Washington's hat and the profile of his face. 

The restoration helps with the experience of the artwork in person, allowing the viewer to see the full range of colors and live through the artwork with the ice floes looking real behind Washington's majesty in the boat.