July 4, 1776: The Declaration of Independence is signed, and the United States of America emerges as a free and independent country after years of conflict and turmoil. The birth of the American nation also heralded a new chapter in world history. These facts are rooted firmly in American history and inform our culture and very way of life. John Trumbull (1756-1843), a venerated artist and soldier of the Revolutionary War, depicted pivotal moments from these early chapters of the country’s history, immortalizing our origin story in perpetuity. Four of his larger-than-life paintings hang in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol. He also painted George and Martha Washington and created iconic portraits of the Founding Fathers. Among Trumbull’s military duties was rendering British and American fortifications in Boston, utilizing his artistic skills for strategic gain. Trumbull was appointed one of George Washington’s aides-de-camp (headquarters staff), and he painted the general-turned-president …