Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. John Trumbull died in 1843; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1913.
In context
Alexander Hamilton — John Trumbull
The original measures 219 × 146 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height. It is too large to draw to scale on this page.
Shaded: the lifetime of John Trumbull (1756–1843) ▲ this work, 1792
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Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #2b1f16
Catalogued palette
About this artwork
Alexander Hamilton — John Trumbull
Alexander Hamilton (1755/57–1804) was born out of wedlock in the British colony of Nevis, a small island in the Caribbean. Abandoned by his father, Hamilton and his mother moved to the nearby island of Saint Croix, then a Danish colony of profitable sugar plantations fueled by slave labor. Following his mother’s death in 1768, Hamilton worked as a clerk in a counting and shipping house, quickly learning the fundamentals of finance and trade. His intellect attracted the attention of Saint Croix’s elite, who raised funds to send him to New York City for a formal education in 1773. Hamilton never returned to the West Indies, but his early exposure to its vast networks of transatlantic trade had a lasting impact on his political philosophy and career.After fighting alongside George Washington in the American Revolution and serving as his legal and financial advisor, Hamilton was appointed the first Secretary of the Treasury in 1789. His economic policies favored a strong central government, expanded trade with Britain, and the foundation of a national bank. In 1791, five New York merchants representing the Chamber of Commerce commissioned John Trumbull to paint a full-length portrait of the treasury secretary to commemorate his civic and mercantile accomplishments. Hamilton, however, requested to be depicted as if "unconnected with any incident of my political life." To please both patrons and sitter, Trumbull drew on compositional conventions of European portraiture but carefully avoided elaborate accessories and political symbols, painting Hamilton in an unofficial setting as an elite citizen of the new republic.
Artist and museum
Born in Lebanon, United Kingdom
John Trumbull, a name synonymous with the visual narrative of America’s birth, was more than just a painter; he was a witness, a soldier, and a chronicler of a nation forging its identity. Born in Lebanon, Connecticut, in 1756, into a family steeped in patriotic fervor – his father, Jonathan Trumbull, served as governor throughout the Revolutionary War – young John’s destiny seemed intertwined with the unfolding drama of independence. A childhood accident tragically cost him the use of one eye, yet this perceived limitation may have paradoxically sharpened his observational skills, contributing to the meticulous detail that would become a hallmark of his artistic style. His early education at Harvard College further cultivated a mind primed for both intellectual rigor and creative expression. Even before fully embracing his calling as an artist, Trumbull’s life was already imbued with a sense of duty and service, sketching fortifications during the Siege of Boston – a foreshadowing of his future role in immortalizing the Revolution on canvas.
The path to becoming “the Painter of the Revolution” wasn’t immediate. Financial constraints initially led Trumbull down various avenues, but the pull towards art proved irresistible. In 1780, he embarked on a journey to London, seeking tutelage under the esteemed Benjamin West, an American expatriate who had achieved prominence as a history painter. West recognized Trumbull’s potential and encouraged him to focus on scenes from the War of Independence, suggesting smaller-scale works and miniature portraits – a practical approach that allowed Trumbull to hone his skills while establishing a clientele. Over the course of his career, he produced approximately 250 miniatures, demonstrating remarkable versatility and precision. However, West’s influence extended beyond technique; he instilled in Trumbull an appreciation for classical history painting, inspiring him to imbue his work with dramatic composition and allegorical depth. This fusion of historical accuracy and artistic grandeur would define Trumbull's mature style. The experience wasn't without hardship; a brief but alarming arrest on suspicion of espionage – retaliation for the execution of Major André – forced a temporary retreat from British society, yet ultimately solidified his commitment to portraying the American cause.
Trumbull’s most enduring legacy lies in his monumental historical paintings, particularly those that now grace the Capitol Rotunda. The Declaration of Independence, perhaps his most iconic work, is a carefully constructed tableau depicting the momentous occasion with remarkable fidelity. It's not merely a record of who was present but an attempt to capture the gravity and solemnity of the event. Famously, this painting found its way onto the reverse of the two-dollar bill, cementing its place in American iconography. Other significant works include The Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, The Surrender of General Burgoyne, and George Washington before the Battle of Trenton. These paintings weren’t simply artistic endeavors; they were acts of national commemoration, designed to inspire patriotism and solidify a shared historical narrative. Trumbull meticulously researched each scene, consulting with veterans and studying contemporary accounts to ensure accuracy. His preparatory sketches, like the Study for Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, reveal his painstaking planning process and dedication to detail. In an era devoid of photographic documentation, Trumbull’s paintings served as invaluable visual records, shaping public understanding of the Revolution and its key figures.
John Trumbull's contributions extend beyond his celebrated canvases. He was a staunch advocate for the arts in America, serving as president of the American Academy of Fine Arts from 1816 to 1835, tirelessly working to foster a vibrant artistic community within the young nation. His paintings are now held in prestigious institutions across the country, including Yale University Art Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, ensuring their accessibility for generations to come. The prominent display of his works within the United States Capitol serves as a lasting tribute to his dedication to both art and history.
His paintings continue to inspire artists and historians alike.
They offer invaluable insights into the aesthetics and ideals of the early American republic.
Trumbull’s commitment to historical accuracy set a precedent for future generations of American historical painters.
John Trumbull passed away in 1843, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with power and significance. He remains, unequivocally, “the Painter of the Revolution,” an artist who not only captured history but helped create it – shaping the visual memory of a nation’s birth and securing his place as a pivotal figure in American art.
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Look closely
Alexander Hamilton — John Trumbull
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