Original Engraving 'Declaration of Independence' July 4, 1776 Print after painting by John Trumbull and engraved by W.L. Ormsby. Published by Cole & Company, NY. 1876.
Based on Trumbull’s famous painting of 1786, the print was engraved to mark the centenary of the United States.
The painting shows 42 of the 56 signers of the Declaration; Trumbull originally intended to include all 56 signers but was unable to obtain likenesses for all of them.
There is a key in the bottom margin to the men pictured in the painting.
About the painting, according to :
"John Trumbull's masterpiece, The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, July 4th, 1776, was begun at Jefferson's residence in Paris. Trumbull later reported, "I began the composition of the Declaration of Independence, with the assistance of his [Jefferson's] information and advice." Jefferson contributed a firsthand description of the Assembly Room and made a rough sketch of it. Later, Trumbull painted Jefferson from life for the Declaration, and made three miniatures of the likeness. The committee responsible for the draft — John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston, Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin — was depicted to the right of center.
"Trumbull dedicated himself to portraying from life as many of the forty-eight signers as he could. Consequently, the original painting, located in the Yale University Art Gallery, was not completed until 1820. The young artist Asher B. Durand was selected to make the engraving, which was published in 1823. The small number of subscribers greatly disappointed Trumbull, who had worked for more than thirty-three years on it.
"Jefferson's engraving of The Declaration of Independence was exhibited in the Entrance Hall at Monticello. Reverend Henry Thweatt, a visitor, wrote that Jefferson was happy to explain the scene.
In a free and somewhat playful manner as I said—"and how Mr. Jefferson—did you feel amid—all being as you were—the author of the instrument—being thus signed by all"—why—my son—(he very pleasantly replied with an arch look)—"pretty much as you may imagine with a halter around his neck to be hung—for such—doubtless would have been my fate—and that too of all who signed this instrument—had we been taken by the British."
Source: , pp. 162-63
About the engraving offered here, by W.L. Ormsby:
"American engraver Asher B. Durand produce a large image of the Declaration, which subsequently became one of the most popular American patriotic scenes, leading to a number of other versions in different sizes. This is the finest of the derivative images, engraved by Waterman Lilly Ormsby (1809-1883). This print, approximately the size of Durand's original is an exquisite example of Ormsby's fine and strong work with the addition of a delicate and complete key etched at the bottom margin. This print is most likely a restrike or a later printing issued for the Centennial in order to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence one hundred years earlier."
Source: Philadelphia Print Shop
Size : 33" x 42"
Shipping: $100. Please allow one week for shipping.
