A genre, historical, religious and portrait painter, Edwin White was especially known for his history paintings that responded to the desire of many collectors to have American subjects. Among these was Washington Resigning His Commission, (1858) which recorded the Commander-in-Chief leaving the army after his victories that led to the forming of the American government.

The work was commissioned by the Maryland Legislature, and White was the winner of their competition to select the artist. Other noted historical works by him are Pocahontas Informing Smith of the Conspiracy of the Indians; Major Anderson Raising the Flag at Fort Sumter 1862; Landing of the Huguenots in Florida, 1564<...