Simone Lawson
The painting 'Scene at the Signing of the Constitution' was created by Howard Chandler Christy in 1940. It is an oil-on-canvas painting that measures 20 by 30 feet and is displayed in the east stairway of the House wing in the Capitol building. The painting depicts the Constitutional Convention signing the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Christy's painting is acclaimed as one of the best pictures ever created of the American Founding and is known for its historical authenticity, political interpretation, and portrayal of the Convention at work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Howard Chandler Christy |
| Date | 1940 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 20 by 30 feet (6.1 by 9.1 metres) |
| Location | East stairway in the House of Representatives wing in the Capitol building |
| Subject | Constitutional Convention signing the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787 |
| Number of delegates depicted | 39 out of 55 |
| Notable figures included | George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison |
| Notable artistic choices | Inclusion of John Dickinson, obscuring of faces of Thomas FitzSimons and Jacob Broom, use of authentic costumes and furniture |
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What You'll Learn
Howard Chandler Christy's painting
Christy, a renowned illustrator and portrait painter of his time, was commissioned to create this painting as part of the 150th anniversary of the Constitution. He worked closely with Representative Sol Bloom, the Director General of the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission, to ensure historical accuracy in his depiction. Christy conducted extensive research, including studying early portraits of the signers and filling in historical details. He also borrowed authentic costumes, such as a pair of George Washington's breeches from the Smithsonian Institution, to accurately portray the delegates' attire.
One of the unique aspects of Christy's painting is its attention to detail and historical authenticity. He made his sketch for the painting in Independence Hall, at the same time of day as the signing, to accurately capture the angle of sunlight entering the room with its glass chandelier. Christy also included symbolic elements in his composition, such as the books belonging to Thomas Jefferson, placed next to Benjamin Franklin's chair, acknowledging Jefferson's significant contribution to the Constitution.
The painting is not just a visual representation of a historic event but also engages in political interpretation and captures the Convention at work. It brings to life the American Founders, including George Washington, standing upright on a dais, presiding over the delegates. The painting has been acclaimed as one of the best single pictures ever created of the American Founding, showcasing Christy's artistic talent and his ability to immortalize a pivotal moment in American history.
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The painting's 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 painting depicts the Constitutional Convention signing the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. It is one of the most famous depictions of the early days of the United States and is on display in the east stairway of the House of Representatives wing in the Capitol building.
To achieve historical accuracy, Christy worked closely with Representative Sol Bloom, the Director General of the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission, to locate early portraits of the signers and fill in historical details. He also created his sketch for the painting inside 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. Additionally, he researched and depicted authentic costumes, furniture, and artifacts used by the delegates. For example, he borrowed a pair of George Washington's breeches from the Smithsonian Institution and included books from Thomas Jefferson's library to acknowledge Jefferson's importance to the Constitution.
However, Christy also took some liberties in composing his scene. He included John Dickinson, whose signature was added by proxy, and excluded three men who were present but did not sign the Constitution. He also obscured the faces of two signers, Thomas FitzSimons and Jacob Broom, as no portraits of them were available.
Overall, Christy's painting is acclaimed as one of the best and most historically accurate depictions of the signing of the Constitution. It captures the Convention at work and brings the American Founders to life, making it a vital part of the celebration of the American Founding.
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The signing of the Constitution
The painting "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" is a 1940 oil-on-canvas artwork by Howard Chandler Christy. It depicts the Constitutional Convention signing the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The painting is one of the most famous depictions of the early days of the United States, along with "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze.
Christy's painting was first proposed in 1937 by Representative Sol Bloom, the Director General of the United States Constitution Sesquicentennial Commission, as part of the 150th anniversary of the Constitution. Christy, a popular illustrator and portrait painter at the time, created a historically accurate scene of the signing for the commission to reproduce. His initial small painting included symbolic figures, but these were eliminated in the final version.
The process of commissioning the painting faced some challenges. A Joint Resolution was introduced in the House in 1937 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 funds for art during a period of economic depression. The resolution failed again in 1938, but a modified version was accepted in 1939, leading to the contract with Christy being signed on July 24, 1939.
Christy took liberties in composing his scene, including some individuals who were not present and obscuring the faces of others. He conducted extensive research to ensure historical accuracy, including studying authentic costumes, furniture, and artifacts used by the delegates. The painting is known for its attention to detail, such as accurately depicting the angle of sunlight in the room.
The completed painting measures 20 by 30 feet (6.1 by 9.1 meters) and is currently displayed along the east stairway in the House of Representatives wing in the Capitol building. It showcases 39 of the 55 delegates, with those who did not sign or were not present being excluded from the scene. George Washington, the president of the convention, stands upright on a dais, looking over the delegates.
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The painting's political interpretation
Howard Chandler Christy's painting, "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States", is not just a historical depiction but also engages in a political interpretation of the event. The painting is acclaimed as the best single picture ever created of the American Founding, and for good reason. Christy's attention to historical accuracy and symbolic details brings the American Founders to life and offers a unique interpretation of the political dynamics at play during the signing of the Constitution.
Firstly, Christy's painting captures the Convention at work, showing the delegates in the act of signing the document. This portrays the Founding Fathers as active and engaged participants in the creation of the nation's governing document, highlighting their dedication and involvement in shaping the country's future. The painting also includes symbolic details, such as the inclusion of John Dickinson, whose signature was added by proxy, and the obscuring of the faces of Thomas FitzSimons and Jacob Broom, for whom no portraits were found. These liberties taken by Christy add a layer of political interpretation, as they acknowledge the complex nature of the signing process and the varying levels of involvement among the delegates.
Secondly, the painting brings to life the political figures who played a pivotal role in the founding of the nation. George Washington, standing upright on a dais, presides over the delegates with authority and leadership. Alexander Hamilton, in the centre, leans in to speak with Benjamin Franklin, who is holding a cane, symbolising the exchange of ideas and collaboration among the Founding Fathers. James Madison, the primary author of the Constitution, is also depicted, showcasing his significant contribution to the document's creation.
Moreover, Christy's painting acknowledges the importance of individuals who were not present at the signing. Thomas Jefferson, serving as minister to France, is represented by the inclusion of his books next to Benjamin Franklin's chair. This subtle detail highlights Jefferson's intellectual influence on the Constitution, even from afar. The painting also initially included a maiden representing "We the People", though this figure was eliminated in the final version. Nonetheless, the concept of "We the People" persists, reminding viewers of the democratic principles underpinning the Constitution.
Finally, the setting of the painting, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, holds political significance. At the time Christy painted it, Independence Hall served as a collection of Founding material, with portraits of the Founders hanging from the walls. This environment undoubtedly influenced Christy's interpretation, as he worked amidst the symbols of the nation's founding ideals. The lighting in the painting, accurately depicting the angle of sunlight in the room, further adds to the sense of historical and political authenticity.
In conclusion, while Howard Chandler Christy's "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" is renowned for its historical accuracy, it also offers a unique political interpretation of the event. Through the depiction of key figures, symbolic details, and the acknowledgement of absent influencers, Christy brings to life the political dynamics and complexities surrounding the signing of the Constitution. The painting's grand size and attention to detail truly capture the significance of this pivotal moment in American history.
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The painting's display in the Capitol
The painting "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" by Howard Chandler Christy is on display in the Capitol building. It hangs in the east stairway of the House wing, where it was unveiled in May 1940. The painting is a 20-by-30-foot oil-on-canvas scene, completed in April 1940, and is acclaimed as the best single picture ever created of the American Founding.
The painting depicts the Constitutional Convention signing the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. It includes 39 of the 55 delegates, with George Washington, the president of the convention, standing upright on a dais and looking out over the delegates. Christy took some liberties in composing the scene, including John Dickinson, whose signature was added by proxy, and obscuring the faces of two signers, Thomas FitzSimons and Jacob Broom, as no portraits of them were found.
Christy's attention to historical accuracy is evident in his depiction of authentic costumes, furniture, and artifacts used by the delegates. He even borrowed a pair of George Washington's breeches from the Smithsonian Institution and included books from Thomas Jefferson's library, borrowed from the Rare Book Room of the Library of Congress, to acknowledge Jefferson's importance to the Constitution. Christy 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.
The process of commissioning the painting involved some debate and modifications. The initial proposal in 1937 to pay Christy $35,000 to paint the scene faced opposition due to economic concerns, and the resolution failed twice before a modified resolution was accepted in 1939. The final contract with Christy was signed for $30,000, and the painting was completed and unveiled in the Capitol in 1940.
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Frequently asked questions
Howard Chandler Christy painted the scene at the signing of the US Constitution.
The painting was completed in 1940 and unveiled in the Rotunda of the Capitol in May of the same year.
The painting is displayed in the east grand stairway of the House wing of the United States Capitol.
