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Painting Patriotism, Healing Wounds: The Art of Col. John Trumbull

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The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776, oil on canvas by John Trumbull (American, 1756-1843). Begun in 1786, the painting was completed in 1820, with Trumbull taking time to complete the likenesses, most from life, of the 48 people depicted. Image from Yale University Art Gallery, Trumbull Collection.

The Farmington Valley CT Heritage Network is pleased to present a timely and engaging lecture with Walter Woodward, Painting Patriotism, Healing Wounds: The Art of Col. John Trumbull. This richly illustrated talk discusses the lifelong struggle of John Trumbull to earn respect for his art by creating a series of American history paintings, many of the Revolutionary War, of which he was a veteran. The presentation takes place at the Ellsworth Visitors Center, Simsbury Historical Society, 800 Hopmeadow St., on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, payable at the door.

Woodward is Connecticut State Historian emeritus. He served as the state historian and a member of the history department at the University of Connecticut from 2004 until his retirement in July 2022. He was the fifth person to hold the position of state historian, which was created in the 1930s in preparation for Connecticut’s 300th anniversary.