The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776

About this artwork

Behold *The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776*, a masterful 1823 engraving by Asher B. Durand after John Trumbull's iconic painting. This sixth and final state captures the dramatic moment when America's Founding Fathers—figures like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin—present the Declaration to the Continental Congress. Trumbull, a Revolutionary War veteran and neoclassical painter, to immortalize this pivotal event, while Durand, a skilled engraver and later Hudson River School leader, translated it into intricate print form for wider audiences. Engravings like this were revolutionary in the early 19th century, democratizing art by allowing affordable reproductions of grand historical canvases. Measuring an impressive 20 3/16 x 30 3/16 inches, this print from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints collection vividly renders the tension and resolve of 1776, with fine lines etching powdered wigs, quill pens, and resolute gazes amid neoclassical architecture. Its tags—evoking men and law—underscore themes of liberty and governance that still resonate. Bequeathed in 1924, this work highlights engraving's cultural power: bridging elite portraiture with public inspiration, fueling American patriotism during the nation's young republic. A testament to artistry in service of history!