'Turnback Tuesday' celebrates Independence Day, showcases famous artist

Turnback Tuesday celebrates our country's independence.

This postcard is a copy of the famous painting done by American artist John Trumbull.

A smaller version (20” x 31”) was done circa 1786 depicting the presentation of the draft of the Declaration of Independence.

This painting is at the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven. In 1817, Trumbull was commissioned to paint a total of four large paintings. This 12’ x 18’ painting was presented to the public on October 5, 1818 along with the other three.

The painting shows 42 of the 56 signers with many of the figures being painted from life.

In 1826, the painting with the three other works of John Trumbull were placed in the rotunda of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. where they can still be admired today.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.