The Attack upon the Chew House by Howard Pyle
The Attack upon the Chew House is a painting by Howard Pyle, a noted American illustrator known mostly for his depictions of pirates, medieval characters, and Revolutionary War themes. He also founded the Brandywine School in Wilmington, Delaware. The painting was done for Henry Cabot Lodge’s “The Story of the Revolution”, that appeared in Scribner’s Magazine for June 1898. You can see the painting here: https://www.americanrevolutioninstitute.org/asset/the-attack-upon-the-chew-house-by-howard-pyle/
I can’t remember the first time I saw this painting. It was most likely when I was in elementary school, in some history book that I checked out from the Library, or maybe the school textbook. Regardless, I had mostly forgotten about this work until I purchased a book of Howard Pyle’s work from a discount book store.
I love the way the dark uniforms contrast greatly with the rest of the painting, drawing the eye towards the soldiers as they advance towards the house. The position and posture of the running soldiers really gives a sense of movement from right to left as they attempt to storm the house, with bodies in a half-run and faces showing the determination of battle, all facing the objective. The only exception is the wounded and dead, and the one man with the sword raised on the steps facing the total opposite of everyone else. Really cool! I also like that the background is really abstract and gray, in contrast to the detail of the soldiers in the foreground.
When I look at this painting, I have mind to paint a similar work but depicting an event in the American Civil War. I don’t know in what exact scenario this would have happened where soldiers stormed a house in the same manner, although I would bet this occurred many times. The one situation I can think of offhand is during the final assault by the Confederates at the battle of Gaines Mill, where the Watt House was part of the Union defensive line that was overrun by the massive Southern charge near the end of the battle. I will have to research more to find out if this would work.
The Attack upon the Chew House is housed at the Delaware Art Museum. Maybe one of these days I can go there myself.
https://delart.org/