John Trumbull

As a veteran who served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington, he became known as the 'Painter of the Revolution' for documenting historical moments.¹

In 1780, he traveled to London to study under the renowned artist Benjamin West, who encouraged him to paint small historical scenes and miniature portraits.¹

In 1780, he was arrested for treason in Britain as a reprisal for the hanging of a British spy and was imprisoned in London for seven months.¹

For his masterpiece 'Declaration of Independence,' he spent five years painting individual portraits of all 56 signers to ensure historical accuracy.¹

While in Paris, he developed a friendship with Thomas Jefferson, who assisted him in developing the early composition of the 'Declaration of Independence.'¹

The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec, December 31, 1775

The portrait of Alexander Hamilton on the current United States ten-dollar bill is based on a painting by John Trumbull.¹

His painting 'Declaration of Independence' is featured on the reverse of the current United States two-dollar bill, making it one of the most famous images in America.¹

Four of his large-scale historical paintings, commissioned by Congress, are permanently displayed in the United States Capitol rotunda.¹