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Inside the Capitol: John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence| BRIdge from the Past
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What does Trumbull’s painting of the Declaration of Independence tell us about the Founding moment and the connection between law and liberty? In this episode of BRIdge from the Past, Mary examines the prominent painting of the Declaration of Independence displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Commissioned by Congress in 1817, artist John Trumbull was tasked with depicting the crucial moment in American history when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress. What goals did Trumbull hope to accomplish with this painting? Why was this moment in history chosen to be depicted in the U.S. Capitol?
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On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee brought what came to be called the Lee Resolution before the Continental Congress. This resolution stated “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states ...” Congress debated independence for several days.
What was the Continental Congress's argument for Independence? Join Kirk Higgins, as he takes a line by line look at the the Declaration of Independence.
What does the U.S. Capitol dome reveal about the relationship between laws and liberty? In this episode of BRIdge from the Past, Mary examines images of the United States Capitol in Washington, DC and the majestic statue that adorns the top. The well-known dome that we know today was erected in 1850, and shortly after, the statue, featuring a robed woman holding a laurel wreath and sheathed sword, was placed atop it in 1863. What do the individual parts that make up the Capitol dome and statue represent? How do they work together to showcase freedom?