Jonah Patel
Howard Chandler Christy's 1940 painting, 'Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States', is on display in the east grand stairway of the House wing in the US Capitol. The 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas scene is among the best-known images in the Capitol building. It depicts the Constitutional Convention signing the US Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on 17 September 1787.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Howard Chandler Christy |
| Painting Title | Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States |
| Year | 1940 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 20 x 30 feet (6.1 x 9.1 metres) |
| Weight | 1,700 pounds |
| Location | East Grand Stairway of the House Wing, U.S. Capitol |
| Subject | Depicts the signing of the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall, Philadelphia, on September 17, 1787 |
| Historical Accuracy | Includes authentic details such as books from Thomas Jefferson's library, accurate angle of sunlight, and period costumes |
| Commission | Part of the 150th anniversary of the Constitution; commissioned for $30,000 |
| Framing | Hand-carved and gold-leaf finished frame designed by Azeglio Pancani |
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What You'll Learn
The painting's location
Howard Chandler Christy's painting "The Signing of the Constitution" is located in the east grand stairway of the House wing in the United States Capitol. The painting was commissioned in 1939 as part of the 150th anniversary of the Constitution and completed in 1940. It is a 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas scene that is among the best-known images in the Capitol. The painting depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, with George Washington as the most prominent figure.
The process of commissioning the painting was not without controversy. In 1937, a Joint Resolution was first introduced in the House to pay Christy $35,000 to paint "The Signing of the Constitution." However, there was a heated debate, and the bill did not pass due to reservations about spending a large sum of money on art during a period of economic depression. The Joint Resolution failed again in 1938, and it was only in 1939 that a modified resolution was accepted, setting up a commission to employ an artist for the project.
Christy's painting is known for its historical accuracy and attention to detail. He created the sketch for the painting in Independence Hall in September, at the same time of day as the signing, to accurately capture the angle of sunlight in the room. He also borrowed books from Thomas Jefferson's library to include them in the scene, acknowledging Jefferson's importance to the Constitution. The painting is considered a significant portrayal of the American Founding and is acclaimed as one of the best pictures ever created of the event.
The size of the painting presented a challenge, as it was too large for any open walls in the Capitol. After much debate about its placement, it was installed in the east grand stairway of the House wing, where it remains today. The painting has become a well-known image in the Capitol and an important part of the celebration of the American Founding.
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Commissioning and creation
Howard Chandler Christy's painting, "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States", was commissioned in 1939 as part of the 150th anniversary of the Constitution. It was completed and unveiled in 1940, and it is currently displayed in the east grand stairway of the House wing in the U.S. Capitol. The painting is a 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas scene, and it is considered one of the best-known images in the Capitol.
The process of commissioning the painting began in 1937 when Representative Sol Bloom, the Director General of the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission, first proposed the idea. However, there was debate and resistance regarding the allocation of funds for the artwork during a period of economic depression. Initially, the proposed resolution included a $35,000 payment to Christy, but it failed to pass in both 1937 and 1938. Finally, in 1939, a modified resolution was accepted, and Christy was awarded the contract on July 24, 1939.
Christy was a popular illustrator and portrait painter at the time, known for his illustrations featuring an idealized young woman known as the "Christy Girl." Despite some criticism for his choice as the artist, Christy was committed to creating a historically accurate scene. He worked with Representative Bloom for three years to locate early portraits of the signers and gather historical details. Christy also borrowed books from Thomas Jefferson's library to include them in the painting, acknowledging Jefferson's importance to the Constitution.
The massive canvas was painted in a sail loft, either in the Washington Navy Yard or in Christy's studio on Central Park West. Due to its size, Christy had to use enlisted men as models for the figures. The painting depicts 39 of the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, with careful attention to historical accuracy in costumes and artefacts. The final work is a bright and airy depiction of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, with George Washington standing prominently on a platform.
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Historical accuracy
Howard Chandler Christy's painting "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" is known for its historical accuracy. Completed in 1940, the 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas scene is on display in the east grand stairway of the House wing in the U.S. Capitol. The painting depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, and includes several prominent figures such as George Washington, Richard Spaight, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison.
Christy took several measures to ensure the historical accuracy of his painting. He made the sketch for the painting in Independence Hall in September, at the same time of day as the signing, to accurately capture the angle of sunlight in the room with its glass chandelier. He also borrowed books from Thomas Jefferson's library to include them in the scene, acknowledging Jefferson's importance to the Constitution. Additionally, he researched and depicted authentic costumes, furniture, and artifacts used by the delegates.
To create accurate likenesses of the signatories, Christy conducted extensive research over several years. He studied 18th- and 19th-century portraits and sought out early portraits of the signers. He also borrowed period clothing from the Smithsonian Institution, including a pair of George Washington's breeches. Christy even used enlisted men as models for the figures, with one model posing as George Washington wearing the president's shoe buckles and holding his pocket watch.
Despite Christy's efforts, there are a few inaccuracies and artistic liberties in the painting. Only 39 of the 55 delegates are pictured, excluding the three delegates who did not sign the Constitution and the 13 who left the convention early. John Dickinson, who signed by proxy, is included, while the faces of two signers, Thomas FitzSimons and Jacob Broom, are obscured due to a lack of portraits. Additionally, Christy's artistic style and composition have been criticised by some as being "frothy" and "blown-up illustration".
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Artistic style
Howard Chandler Christy (1872/3–1952) was an American artist, illustrator, and historical painter. He is known for his colourful and illustrious "Christy Girl", a picturesque and romantic type of society woman. His work, whether in watercolour, oils, or pen-and-ink, is characterised by a strong sense of values, a dashing but not exaggerated style, and great facility. He is also famous for his iconic WWI military recruitment and Liberty loan posters.
Christy's artistic style is often described as "dashing but not exaggerated". His work demonstrates a strong sense of values and a facility for capturing the essence of his subjects. He worked across a range of media, including watercolour, oils, and pen-and-ink, and his paintings are known for their bright and airy colours and almost impressionistic brushwork.
In creating "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution", Christy took several liberties with his composition. For instance, he included John Dickinson, whose signature was added by proxy, and obscured the faces of two signers for whom no portraits were found. Christy also paid close attention to detail, researching and replicating authentic costumes, furniture, and artefacts used by the delegates. He even borrowed a pair of George Washington's breeches from the Smithsonian Institution to ensure historical accuracy.
Christy's painting of the signing of the United States Constitution is a grand and impressive work, measuring 20 by 30 feet (6.1 by 9.1 meters). It is a framed oil-on-canvas scene that is known for its bright colours and almost impressionistic brushwork. The painting is on display in the east grand stairway of the House wing of the United States Capitol, where it has been since its installation in 1940.
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Vandalism and restoration
Howard Chandler Christy's painting, "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States", is a significant work of art that has adorned the walls of the United States Capitol. Completed in 1940, this 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas scene is among the best-known images in the Capitol. It depicts the Constitutional Convention signing the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The painting is currently displayed along the east stairway in the House of Representatives wing in the Capitol building.
In 1967, this famous painting was vandalised when it was slashed along the bottom. This act of vandalism required the canvas to be removed from its stretcher and transported for repair in 1968. Unfortunately, the repairs were not seamlessly executed, and the fills made during that time were apparent. Over the years, the original brilliant colours of the painting were obscured by dust, grime, and yellowed varnish.
Recognising the importance of preserving this historic artwork, efforts were made to restore it to its former glory. The restoration process aimed to address not only the damage caused by vandalism but also the accumulated wear and tear over the years. Conservators employed a range of techniques to clean and revitalise the painting, carefully working to match the original colours and textures as closely as possible.
The restoration of the painting involved a meticulous process. It began with a thorough examination of the artwork to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate conservation methods. The conservators carefully cleaned the surface, removing layers of dirt and grime that had built up over time. They then turned their attention to the slashed area, carefully repairing the canvas and matching the colours to seamlessly blend the restored section with the original painting.
The restoration of "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" is a testament to the dedication of art conservation professionals. Through their meticulous work, the painting has been preserved for future generations to appreciate and learn from. The restoration process not only addressed the vandalism but also ensured the long-term preservation of the artwork, allowing it to continue its role as a visual reminder of a pivotal moment in American history.
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Frequently asked questions
Howard Chandler Christy's painting of the Constitution is on display in the east grand stairway of the House wing in the U.S. Capitol.
The painting is a 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas scene.
The painting was completed in 1940.
The painting depicts Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. It shows George Washington standing on a platform next to Richard Spaight of North Carolina, who is signing the document.
