Artists' Eyes on the American Revolution: John Trumbull's Paintings of U.S. History

This illustrated lecture, presented in celebration of America250, explores the life and work of John Trumbull (1756–1843), one of the most important artists of the American Revolutionary era.

Often called the “Painter of the Revolution,” Trumbull is best known for his large-scale history paintings that helped shape the young nation’s visual memory of its founding events. He was a veteran of the Revolutionary War where he sketched maps for the military and served  as an aide-de-camp to Generals Washington and Gates.

Trumbull brought firsthand experience, careful research, and a strong sense of patriotism to his art.  He went on to become one of the chief portrait artists in America—including creating portraits of George Washington—as well as the painter of huge scenes from the Revolutionary War, four of which now hang in the United States Capitol rotunda in Washington, D.C. Trumbull’s large oil painting Declaration of Independence hanging there serves as the basis for the reverse design of the current U.S. two-dollar bill.

The talk will examine Trumbull’s training in London under Benjamin West (who encouraged him to paint miniature portraits and small scenes of the war), his role in elevating history painting in America, and his lasting influence on American art. 

Special attention will be given to works from the tristate region, which will take pride of place in the presentation.

The talk will be delivered by art historian Michael Norris. Norris earned his BA in Classics from the University of California, San Diego, followed by an MA in Classics and a PhD in Art History from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He spent twenty years at The Cloisters Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and has lectured widely at libraries, schools, retirement communities, and clubs, with many talks tailored especially for New Jersey audiences.

This program is made possible with the support of The Friends of the Livingston Public Library.