From the Office of the Architect of the United States Capitol, a description of John Trumbull's painting The Declaration of Independence.



The first painting that Trumbull completed for the Rotunda shows the signing of the Declaration of Independence in what is now called Independence Hall, Philadelphia, on July 4, 1776. The painting features the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence--John Adams, Robert Sherman, Thomas Jefferson (presenting the document), and Benjamin Franklin--standing before John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress. The painting includes portraits of 42 of the 56 signers and 5 other patriots. The artist sketched the individuals and the room from life.



America, America

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.