The Declaration of Independence, 1818

Oil on canvas; 12' x 18' (144 in × 216 in). U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Washington, DC.

The first of four paintings completed by Trumbull following a commission by Congress. Trumbull exhibited it to large crowds in Boston, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before it went to Washington. It was his greatest popular success.

In both his public and private lives, Jefferson wrote in order to structure his own life, and to try to bring into existence the world as he wished it to be. By putting things down on paper, it would be so — if all the relevant parties made the right effort.

— Annette Gordon-Reed and Peter S. Onuf

"Most Blessed of the Patriarchs" (2016)