John Trumbull was born into a wealthy and politically grounded family stemming from Connecticut. He was recognized in his early twenties for his ability to accurately draw maps by General George Washington. Despite the fact of the Revolutionary War, in 1780 the young painter was able to travel to London to study under the master artist Benjamin West. As described by Stuart Murray “Trumbull was especially drawn to West’s historical paintings… were the kinds of pictures Trumbull most loved to paint.1” It can be gathered from the early part of the artist’s career that he focused on displaying historical scenes. The beginning of the artist’s life was consumed with the Revolutionary War; the fight against Britain had taken over colonial America.
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Trumbull also took up a great love of painting historical scenes, especially parts of the Revolutionary War. His “Portrait of General George Washington” was created in the middle of the artist’s career. A comical note to the painting is that Trumbull completed this painting in London in 1780 amidst the final years of the Revolutionary War. The artist political associations were not a secret and Trumbull could possibly be declaring that George Washington is far better than any king produced by Britain. This declaration of patriotism is most likely the reason he was imprisoned for suspected treason (only for a short time) in London in the late 1780s. Washington’s modest Continental Army attire and humble expression, contrast sharply to images of former and present kings of the British. His white vest and pants are illuminated by the dark background almost giving him a “God-like” presence, showing that Washington was the unspoken leader of America even before his presidency. He does not boast of his position but accepts it with quite dignity. Images produced during this time reflected the patriotism of American generals and citizens, who took pride in their country and the freedom that they so strongly fought for. The devotion that Trumbull showed in promoting his love of colonial America can be seen in his works like “Portrait of General George Washington.” He was not portraying the president of the United States of America, but instead the humble general of the Continental Army. It seems as if Trumbull knew of Washington’s future job, by displaying him in a classical Roman emperor stance. He saw the strength, intelligence, and dignity that Washington possessed and he knew that these qualities were needed in the leader who was to guide the newly established
Trumbull also took up a great love of painting historical scenes, especially parts of the Revolutionary War. His “Portrait of General George Washington” was created in the middle of the artist’s career. A comical note to the painting is that Trumbull completed this painting in London in 1780 amidst the final years of the Revolutionary War. The artist political associations were not a secret and Trumbull could possibly be declaring that George Washington is far better than any king produced by Britain. This declaration of patriotism is most likely the reason he was imprisoned for suspected treason (only for a short time) in London in the late 1780s. Washington’s modest Continental Army attire and humble expression, contrast sharply to images of former and present kings of the British. His white vest and pants are illuminated by the dark background almost giving him a “God-like” presence, showing that Washington was the unspoken leader of America even before his presidency. He does not boast of his position but accepts it with quite dignity. Images produced during this time reflected the patriotism of American generals and citizens, who took pride in their country and the freedom that they so strongly fought for. The devotion that Trumbull showed in promoting his love of colonial America can be seen in his works like “Portrait of General George Washington.” He was not portraying the president of the United States of America, but instead the humble general of the Continental Army. It seems as if Trumbull knew of Washington’s future job, by displaying him in a classical Roman emperor stance. He saw the strength, intelligence, and dignity that Washington possessed and he knew that these qualities were needed in the leader who was to guide the newly established