Dancing Faun

1769–1784

His father serves as governor of Connecticut

The artist’s father, Jonathan Trumbull, serves as governor of Connecticut from 1769 to 1784. His two older brothers are Joseph, the first commissary general of the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War, and Jonathan Jr., later the second Speaker of the House of Representatives.

January 1782

Returns to America

Ostracized from British society, Trumbull sails home on his release; the voyage takes six months, and he arrives in the United States in late January 1782.

winter 1782 – 1783

Works as an army commissary agent at New Windsor

Together with his brother David, Trumbull finds work as a commissary agent for the army stationed at New Windsor, New York, during the winter of 1782–1783.

1784

Returns to London to study with West

After Britain recognizes the sovereignty and independence of the United States, Trumbull goes back to London to complete his apprenticeship with West. Working in his studio, he paints “Battle of Bunker Hill” and “Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec”, both now at the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven.

1786

Introduces Jefferson to Maria Cosway

In Paris, Trumbull introduces Thomas Jefferson to the Italian painter Maria Cosway, and they become lifelong intimate friends. His portrait of Jefferson, commissioned by Cosway, became widely known and was later engraved by Asher Brown Durand.

1786

Travels to Paris and sketches French officers

In Paris, Trumbull makes portrait sketches of French officers, including studies for the “Surrender of Lord Cornwallis”.