1821 ALS John Trumbull
This handwritten letter, dated April 20th, 1821, is signed by the famous American painter John Trumbull (1756–1843). Trumbull is best known for his large-scale historical paintings in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, such as the iconic "Declaration of Independence".Letter TranscriptionThe letter is addressed to "W. Fish Esq." and discusses a "subscription list," likely referring to the distribution of engraved prints of his famous works.Dear SirI obliged you in putting your name upon my subscription list, at the time you requested it; but omitted the part of the art most expected to you and myself — I now enclose you a Rect. [Receipt] dated 5th Jany [January]— for which, if you please, you will send the equivalent by the Bearer.I am faithfully yourJno. TrumbullApril 20th 1821Historical ContextAt the time this letter was written in 1821, Trumbull was serving as the President of the American Academy of Fine Arts and was actively working on his commissions for the U.S. Capitol. Because painting original canvases was a lengthy process, Trumbull often sold subscriptions for prints (engravings) of his works as a way to generate income and share his art with the public.
This handwritten letter, dated April 20th, 1821, is signed by the famous American painter John Trumbull (1756–1843). Trumbull is best known for his large-scale historical paintings in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, such as the iconic "Declaration of Independence".Letter TranscriptionThe letter is addressed to "W. Fish Esq." and discusses a "subscription list," likely referring to the distribution of engraved prints of his famous works.Dear SirI obliged you in putting your name upon my subscription list, at the time you requested it; but omitted the part of the art most expected to you and myself — I now enclose you a Rect. [Receipt] dated 5th Jany [January]— for which, if you please, you will send the equivalent by the Bearer.I am faithfully yourJno. TrumbullApril 20th 1821Historical ContextAt the time this letter was written in 1821, Trumbull was serving as the President of the American Academy of Fine Arts and was actively working on his commissions for the U.S. Capitol. Because painting original canvases was a lengthy process, Trumbull often sold subscriptions for prints (engravings) of his works as a way to generate income and share his art with the public.
