William Yard commissioned Italian-born artist John Califano to create this scene for the centennial of Washington’s arrival in Trenton on his way to the new capital of New York City for his first inauguration. The painting celebrates not only the newly elected president, but also the women of Trenton who planned, organized, and led the celebration of Washington at Trenton with a Triumphal Arch and serenade. The painting also offers insight into what the town of Trenton looked like at the time, including a rare depiction of the half-wood, half-stone bridge connecting Trenton and Nottingham.
