Signing the Declaration of Independence, 4th July 1776, c.1817 (oil on canvas), Trumbull, John (1756-1843) / US Capitol Collection, Washington D.C., USA / Photo Â© Boltin Picture Library / The Bridgeman Art Library
Famous American Revolutionary War painter and son of a Connecticut governor, John Trumbull (1756 – 1843) completed 250 works during his lifetime despite the loss of one eye due to a childhood accident. His most famous work, “The Declaration of Independence,” appears on the back of the two dollar bill. Trumbull’s tenure as President of the American Academy of Fine Arts led to a student rebellion which resulted in the founding of The National Academy of Design. Trumbull’s paintings can be seen in the US Congress and many prestigious museums and universities in the US.