John Trumbull | |
---|---|
![]() Self-portrait, c. 1802 | |
Born | |
Died | November 10, 1843 New York City, New York, U.S. | (aged 87)
Nationality | American |
Education | with Benjamin West |
Known for | Painting |
Notable work | Declaration of Independence (painted 1817–1819) |
John Trumbull (/ˈtrʌmbəl/; June 6, 1756 – November 10, 1843) was an American artist during the American Revolutionary War. He created many historical paintings. He has been called The Painter of the Revolution.[1]
Trumbull's Declaration of Independence (1817), one of his four paintings which hang in the United States Capitol Rotunda, was used on the reverse the two-dollar bill.
Trumbull was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1756. His father was Jonathan Trumbull, and his mother was Faith (née Robinson) Trumbull. His father was the Governor of Connecticut from 1769 to 1784.
The young Trumbull entered the 1771 junior class at Harvard College at age fifteen. He graduated in 1773. Due to a childhood accident, Trumbull lost use of one eye. This may have influenced his detailed painting style.[2]
As a soldier in the American Revolutionary War, Trumbull drew plans of the British and American lines and works.[3]