Trumbull, John (1756-1843), an American artist, became known for his paintings of scenes of the Revolutionary War in America (1775-1783). Thomas Jefferson advised him about his historical subjects. From 1789 to 1794, Trumbull made portraits of the individuals he intended to include in the scenes. He later copied the portraits into his compositions.
Trumbull was born into a prominent family in Lebanon, Connecticut, on June 6, 1756. After graduating from Harvard College in 1773, he enlisted in the Continental Army and served as an aide to George Washington. After the war, he resumed the study of painting in London under artist Benjamin West and planned his paintings of the American Revolution. In 1817, Trumbull received a commission to paint four large versions of war subjects in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. The remaining years of his life were disappointing, partly because of his failing eyesight and quarrelsome disposition. He died on Nov. 10, 1843.
