Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution

by Richard Brookhiser

The complicated life and legacy of John Trumbull, whose paintings portrayed both the struggle and the principles that distinguished America’s founding moment
 
John Trumbull (1756–1843) experienced the American Revolution firsthand—he served as an officer in the Continental Army under George Washington and was shot at and was jailed as a spy. He made it his mission to record the war, giving visual form to what most citizens of the new United States that they had brought into the world a great and unprecedented political experiment. His purpose, he wrote, was “to preserve and diffuse the memory of the noblest series of actions which have ever presented themselves in the history of man.” Although Trumbull’s contemporaries viewed him as a painter, Trumbull thought of himself as a historian.
 
Richard Brookhiser tells Trumbull’s story of acclaim and recognition, a story complicated by provincialism, war, a messy personal life, and, ultimately, changing fashion. He shows how the artist’s fifty-year project embodied the meaning of American exceptionalism and played a key role in defining the values of the new country. Trumbull depicted the story of self-rule in the modern world—a story as important and as contested today as it was 250 years ago.

Genres: History, Biography, Art History, American Revolution

276 pages, Hardcover

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

Richard Brookhiser, author of Founding Father (Free Press 1996), is a senior editor at National Review and a columnist for The New York Observer.

Reviews

[Arjun Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Brookhiser has ably introduced us to John Trumbull. After reading his book, one learns of the sources and influences on Trumbull's most significant paintings, not least his own journey of life. Trumbull often moved to the right place, was there at the right time, and capitalized on events well. He is presented as a whole man, full of complications, in a very readable edition. I am unaware of another biography of America's Founding painters, which makes this effort rather sui generis. Indeed, while some of his paintings are known widely (four hang in the U.S. Capitol rotunda), Trumbull himself is faint in the public's imagination of the Founding.

Brookhiser's book, thus, is a necessary venture and an important read for anyone concerned with America's origins, government, art, and its future. It delivers a clear understanding of Trumbull's lifelong project through art: "to give the present and future sons...such glorious lessons of their rights, and of the spirit with which they should assert and support them." I recommend the book to all readers seeking to learn something worthy.

[Maggie Meahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The arc of Trumbull’s very full life is covered. We find out just how involved he was in the war and how many of the big players he knew. Trumbull was completely appropriate to do the work he did which was paint the revolution, (even if he took liberties on his canvases). Very interesting narrative and analysis about Trumbull’s eight Revolutionary war masterpieces in particular.

Brookhiser’s writing style is too melodramatic for my taste. The book also could’ve used a good editor that caught certain outdated terminology and meandering sentences.

I also feel that Brookhiser is very dismissive of the women in Trumbull’s life: his sister Faith who was an accomplished needlework artist— among the best of 18th century America. And all we know about Sarah Hope Trumbull, his wife, was that she was an alcoholic from the wrong side of the tracks. Finally, there was a lack of proper notations, I thought.

Still, believe it or not, it is a valuable book for understanding Trumbull’s place in American art history. Many color and b/w images of his work. Excellent printing.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this when it came out last year but it got buried under my TBR pile and my William F. Buckley, Jr. reading binge. Decided to listen to it on audiobook on the commute. AS with all Brookhiser books, I really enjoyed it. It was similar in that it dealt with the characters and issues of the American revolution but different in that it dealt significantly with art and artists. I was fascinated by what a complicated character Trumbull was and how many famous and important people, in art and politics, he interacted with in ways large and small. I was also surprised by the amount of art crticism was involved, particularly as Brookhiser seeks to judge the famous paintings that made up Trumbull's life work. A great read for anyone interested in this time period or in art and history and their interaction.

I share Brookhiser's concern that key elements of the American revolution and the system it bequeathed to us are in danger of slipping away but I still have faith in the resilience and ultimate wisdom of American and Americans.

[Christopher A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read this book I find myself no closer to knowing John Trumbull the man than before I started. I may have learned a few more details of his life and career but the motivations and intricacies of the man still allude me. The author never really makes Trumbull come alive, which is suprising since the subject is an artist (recently read 2 books on Charles Willson Peale which were vivid and lively accounts). Not sure if there was a lack of source material,
letters etc…although the author does mention a lackluster autobiography written in Trumbulls later life. If anything I may have previously had an elevated view of Trumbulls talents as the author often seemingly bumps him down a peg, especially in later years (his prime painting yrs also seemed to go by very quickly and without much to show for it).

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure this book deserves a full three stars, but I'm happy to grade Rick Brookhiser, for whom I have the greatest respect, on the curve. It seems clear he was searching for a lacuna in modern scholarship's reappreciation of the Founding Fathers. He certainly found one, though whether it needed to be filled is debatable.

Trumbull's work (especially his four in the US Capitol Rotunda) is worthy to be discussed, appreciated, and critiqued. But I'm not sure the artist needs a popular level cradle-to-grave biography. Who knows; maybe I'm being too harsh. Brookhiser is more interesting when he's reflecting on the values of the Founders and their war for independence. There is plenty of value in reconsidering the priorities and commitments of that generation--and, yes, in capturing them on canvas. So we can thank both the author and his subject.

[Maryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book to read if you’re going to see his pictures at The Wadsworth, The Capitol, or The Yale gallery. Trumbull lived near and even participated in some of the events of the American Revolution and the creation of the United States. He knew most of the people he painted, his father and brothers were leading politicians. He moved almost freely between the US and Europe. For all that, he led a fairly pedestrian life for a man who insisted on being an artist even though he was from a country that has never been big on supporting the arts. It has the serious flaw of most biographies of artists, telling you what the author thinks of Trumbull’s paintings. Don’t bother with the descriptions. Go see and decide for yourself.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful addition to the author's other Revolutionary Era books. I read it simultaneously with Gentleman Revolutionary (Gouvernor Morris) - quite a wonderful spell cast.

Worth it for the wonderful plates reproducing the paintings alone...! But also a fascinating life in a fascinating era.

[Abbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Clara! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Factual if not fascinating. I learned about a new piece of American history and was grateful to have met the author in person.