John Trumbull

Date of Birth: June 6, 1756

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: November 10, 1843

Biography

John Trumbull was an American artist renowned for his historical paintings, especially those depicting pivotal moments from the American Revolutionary War. Born into a prominent Connecticut family, Trumbull’s father was Jonathan Trumbull, the Governor of Connecticut. Trumbull attended Harvard College but left to join the Continental Army at the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. His experiences during the war, combined with his artistic talent, led him to pursue art seriously. He studied under Benjamin West in London and became known for his meticulous and dramatic portrayals of historical events. His most famous works include “The Declaration of Independence,” “The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker’s Hill,” and “The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis.” Trumbull’s contributions to American art were significant, and he was instrumental in establishing the American Academy of Fine Arts.

5 Interesting Facts about John Trumbull

1. John Trumbull lost the use of his left eye due to a childhood accident, which significantly impacted his depth perception.

2. He served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

3. Trumbull’s painting “The Declaration of Independence” appears on the reverse side of the U.S. $2 bill.

4. He was imprisoned in London during the Revolutionary War on suspicion of being an American spy.

5. In 1831, he sold a series of his paintings to Yale University, ensuring his legacy in American art history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Trumbull

1. “Painting is but another word for feeling.”

2. “The first duty of an artist is to master his craft.”

3. “Art is the representation not of the outward appearance of things, but of their inward significance.”

4. “In my works, I aim to capture the spirit of the American Revolution.”

5. “The true artist is not proud. He sees that art has no bounds, that there is always room for improvement.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Trumbull’s highest net worth is difficult to determine accurately in modern terms, but his sale of paintings to Yale University in 1831 for $1,000 (equivalent to approximately $25,000 today) was a significant sum for an artist of his time.