Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

Oil on Canvas

365.76 cm × 548.64 cm (144 in × 216 in)

1819

John Trumbull(1756-1843) was an American artist famous for his historical paintings.  Trumbull was a soldier in the Revolutionary War.  After he resigned from the Army he painted small pictures of the war and mini portraits.  With help from Thomas Jefferson he began, “Declaration of Independence”, which now hangs in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol. This defining moment in our history is so important that it was produced for everyone to enjoy.  If you can’t make it to the Capitol Building, all you need to do is pull out a two-dollar bill to see this, the greatest moment in our history.  And the fact that Trumbull had help from Thomas Jefferson, the undisputed father of the Declaration, makes this piece even more special. 

John Trumbull stated in a letter to Thomas Jefferson, "The greatest motive I had or have for engaging in or for continuing my pursuit of painting has been the wish of commemorating the great events of our country's Revolution."