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Thomas Jefferson

John Trumbull American
1788
Not on view
The Connecticut-born, English-trained Trumbull became the leading chronicler of the United States’ newly won independence in the years after the American Revolution. Beginning in 1789, he spent five years traveling up and down the Eastern Seaboard taking "heads" from life, mainly of statesmen and military officers—such as Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Mifflin, displayed here—in addition to Giuseppe Ceracchi, a noted Italian sculptor visiting Philadelphia in search of public commissions. As preparatory studies for Trumbull’s many history paintings, these gem-like miniatures are distinguished by their sensitive characterization and fluid handling.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Thomas Jefferson
  • Artist: John Trumbull (American, Lebanon, Connecticut 1756–1843 New York)
  • Date: 1788
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Oil on mahogany
  • Dimensions: 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 in. (11.4 x 8.3 cm)
  • Credit Line: Bequest of Cornelia Cruger, 1923
  • Object Number: 24.19.1
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

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Thomas Mifflin, John Trumbull American, Oil on mahogany, American
Thomas Mifflin
John Trumbull
ca. 1790
Major General Horatio Gates, John Trumbull American, Graphite on off-white wove paper, American
Major General Horatio Gates
John Trumbull
1790
Alexander Hamilton, John Trumbull American, Oil on canvas, American
Alexander Hamilton
John Trumbull
1804–6
Mrs. John Murray, John Trumbull American, Oil on canvas, American
Mrs. John Murray
John Trumbull
ca. 1806

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