John Trumbull: Painter of the American Revolution, and Jefferson’s Wingman

John Trumbull (1756–1843) saw the birth of the nation. His father was the patriot governor of Connecticut. He himself served as an aide to George Washington and Horatio Gates, witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill, and spent time in an enemy prison as a spy.

He also saw the birth of American painting, one of a cohort of brilliant provincials that included Gilbert Stuart and John Singleton Copley.

About the Author

Richard Brookhiser

Historian Richard Brookhiser is a senior editor of National Review and a senior fellow at the National Review Institute.

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John Trumbull (1756–1843) saw the birth of the nation. His father was the patriot governor of Connecticut. He himself served as an aide to George Washington and Horatio Gates, witnessed the Battle of Bunker Hill, and spent time in an enemy prison as a spy.

He also saw the birth of American painting, one of a cohort of brilliant provincials that included Gilbert Stuart and John Singleton Copley.