John Trumball Dies

John Trumbull (1756-1843) was an American painter celebrated for his depictions of scenes from the era of the American Revolution. He died in New York in 1843, having documented in paint many of the defining moments of the young republic's founding.

Having served as an aide to General George Washington during the war, Trumbull brought firsthand knowledge to his historical canvases. His most famous works include The Declaration of Independence, The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker's Hill, several of which were later adapted for the Rotunda of the United States Capitol.

Through these grand history paintings Trumbull helped shape the visual memory of the Revolution for generations of Americans. His images of statesmen and battles became enduring national icons, reproduced on currency and in countless textbooks.