John Trumbull
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John Trumbull (June 6, 1756 – November 10, 1843) was a famous American artist from the time of the American Revolutionary War. He was born in Lebanon, Connecticut. His father was Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut (1769-1784). He entered the 1771 junior class at Harvard University at age 15.
As a soldier in the American Revolutionary War, Trumbull witnessed the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. In 1780 he was appointed aide-de-camp to George Washington.
He then traveled to London and Paris where he worked with Benjamin West, who suggested to him that he paint small pictures of the War of Independence. While in Europe Trumbull was imprisoned for some time, a repercussion for the hanging of English agent John André in America. Also on West's advice, he painted miniature portraits. In total he produced about 250 portraits.
Trumbull had little success until the Senate asked him to produce four large war paintings, which now hang in the United States Capitol building. The four are Surrender of General Burgoyne; Declaration of Independence; Surrender at Yorktown; and Washington Resigning His commission.
Trumbull was appointed President of the American Academy of Fine Art, a position he held for 19 years, although he did not get along with the students at all. Also, his skills declined. Eventually, his dictatorial behavior led the students to rebel against him and found the National Academy of Design. He published an autobiography in 1841.
He died in New York City at the age of 88. He is interred beneath the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut. Part of the inscription on his tomb says "To his Country he gave his SWORD and his PENCIL".
His famous paintings include the following (articles marked * are illustrated with his painting):
- The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill *
- The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec *
- The Declaration of Independence *
- The Battle of Trenton
- The Battle of Princeton
- The Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga *
- The Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown *
- Washington resigning his Commission
- Portraits of George Washington and John Adams *
- Self Portrait
- Portrait of Josiah Bartlett
Gallery of Trumbull images
References
- Murray, P. & L. (1996). Dictionary of art and artists. Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-051300-0.
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