John Trumbull, Patriot & Painter of the American Revolution
Stumbled into this great talk about John Trumbull the Painter's activities during the American Revolution by Richard Brookhiser, as well as an shorter interview on the same subject with Brookhiser to share.
Too often, stories about John the Painter are confused with those of his father Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. and his brother Governor and Speaker of the House Jonathan Trumbull, Jr.
Entitled "Glorious Lessons: John Trumbull, Painter of the American Revolution" presented by Richard Brookhiser. Uploaded to youtube by the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati
Untangling the Three John Trumbulls: Governor, Painter, and Merchant
The Trumbull family of Connecticut produced multiple influential figures named John Trumbull, leading to frequent confusion. Here’s how to separate them:
1. Governor John Trumbull (1710–1785) – The Father
Born Jonathan Trumbull, but he anglicized his name to John as an adult, but signed later as Jonathan, Sr.
Served as Governor of Connecticut (1769–1784) and was a close ally of George Washington, who called him "Brother Jonathan", a nickname that later became a personification of the U.S.
A major supplier of troops and supplies to the Continental Army.
2. Painter John Trumbull (1750–1831) – The Son & Artist
Born Jonathan Trumbull Jr., but like his father, he often went by John Trumbull to avoid cconfusion, but usually signed as Jonathan or Jno.
Renowned for his Revolutionary War paintings, including The Declaration of Independence (displayed in the U.S. Capitol).
Studied under Benjamin West in London and became one of America’s first historical painters.
Served briefly as an aide to Washington and was jailed by the British as a suspected spy.
Sometimes referred to as Jonathan Trumbull the Painter, though John Trumbull is his most recognized name.
3. John Trumbull Jr. (1756–1802) – The Brother & Merchant
Unlike his father and older brother, he kept his birth name as John Trumbull Jr.
A merchant and businessman, not an artist or politician.
Played a role in the family’s business affairs but did not gain the same historical recognition.
Why the Name Confusion?
The father (1710–1785) was born Jonathan Trumbull but later used John.
The painter (1750–1831) was born Jonathan Trumbull Jr. but also used John.
The merchant (1756–1802) was named John Trumbull Jr. at birth and kept the name.
The painter was sometimes called "Jonathan" to distinguish him from his father and younger brother.
The father (Jonathan Sr.) became John, the painter (Jonathan Jr.) became John, and the merchant (John Jr.) was always John—leading to frequent mix-ups!