Eleanor Finch
The painting Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States by Howard Chandler Christy is an important work of art that commemorates a significant event in American history: the signing of the US Constitution. Completed in 1940 and displayed in the US Capitol, the painting depicts the Constitutional Convention signing the US Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The massive 20-by-30-foot oil-on-canvas scene is one of the most famous depictions of the early days of the United States, alongside Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze. Christy's painting is notable for its historical authenticity, political interpretation, and symbolic elements, capturing the Convention at work and bringing the American Founders to life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of painting | 1940 |
| Artist | Howard Chandler Christy |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 20 by 30 feet (6.1 by 9.1 meters) |
| Location | East stairway in the House of Representatives wing in the Capitol building |
| Subject | Signing of the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787 |
| Number of delegates depicted | 39 out of 55 |
| Historical accuracy | Christy took liberties in composing the scene, including individuals who were not present and excluding some who were. He also included accurate details such as costumes, furniture, and artifacts. |
| Symbolism | Christy included subtle symbolism in the painting, such as the use of light to draw attention to important aspects. |
| Political interpretation | The painting engages in political interpretation and brings the American Founders to life. |
| Critical reception | The painting received mixed reviews from art critics, with some disparaging it as mere illustration rather than high art. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The painting's historical accuracy
Howard Chandler Christy's painting "The Signing of the Constitution" is considered to be one of the most historically accurate depictions of the early days of the United States. Completed in 1940, the 20-by-30-foot framed oil-on-canvas painting 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, the day the United States Constitution was signed. George Washington, the president of the convention, stands upright and looks out over the delegates. Eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin is seated in the center, with Alexander Hamilton leaning toward him, while James Madison appears farther to the right.
To achieve historical accuracy, Christy conducted extensive research and paid attention to various details. He made sketches and studied the lighting conditions in Independence Hall during the same time of day as the signing to accurately portray the angle of sunlight in the room with its glass chandelier. He also 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 his importance to the Constitution.
However, it is important to note that Christy took some artistic liberties in composing the scene. He included John Dickinson, whose signature was added by proxy, while excluding 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. Additionally, Christy's painting does not accurately represent the seating arrangement, as each delegation had their own table at the Convention, contrary to the single delegation depicted in the painting.
Despite these deviations, Christy's "The Signing of the Constitution" is widely acclaimed as one of the best and most historically accurate depictions of the American Founding. It captures the significance of the event and the central sense of American self-understanding.
The Constitution and Jefferson's Signature: An Age-Old Question
You may want to see also
The artist's creative liberties
Howard Chandler Christy's painting 'Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States' is one of the most famous depictions of the early days of the United States. The painting is important because it captures a defining moment in the life of the new American nation. It is also one of the best-known images in the United States Capitol, where it is displayed in the east grand stairway of the House wing.
Christy took several creative liberties in composing the 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 obscured the faces of two signers, Thomas FitzSimons and Jacob Broom, as no portraits of them were found. Christy also researched authentic costumes, including a pair of George Washington's breeches borrowed from the Smithsonian Institution, and depicted the furniture and artifacts used by the delegates.
The books beside Franklin's chair belonged to Thomas Jefferson, 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 with its glass chandelier.
Christy's painting is conventionally acclaimed as the best single picture ever created of the American Founding. It is a historically authentic portrayal, engaging in political interpretation and bringing the American Founders to life. He also developed his idea of the signing scene inside Independence Hall while working on an earlier painting, "We the People," which portrayed the spirit of Liberty, Peace, and Justice presiding over the founders as they signed the Constitution.
The Georgian Signers: Constitution's Founding Fathers
You may want to see also
The importance of the event
The signing of the US Constitution was a significant event in the country's history, marking the unification of the nation and the creation of a foundational document that would serve as the basis for the US government. The event was also notable for the presence of notable figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton, who played a crucial role in shaping the country's future.
The painting "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" by Howard Chandler Christy is an important artistic depiction of this historic event. Completed in 1940, the painting is one of the most famous representations of the early days of the United States, alongside "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by Emanuel Leutze. Christy's painting is significant not only for its historical subject matter but also for its artistic and symbolic value.
The painting measures 20 by 30 feet and is displayed in the east stairway of the House of Representatives wing in the Capitol building. It depicts 39 of the 55 delegates who endorsed the Constitution, with George Washington, the president of the convention, standing prominently on a dais overlooking the delegates. The painting also includes symbolic elements, such as the American flags and the depiction of William Jackson, the convention's secretary, in a prominent position, despite not being a signer of the Constitution.
The process of commissioning the painting is also noteworthy. Initially, there was debate in Congress about the appropriateness of spending a significant amount of money on art during a period of economic depression. However, the importance of memorializing this historic event ultimately led to the resolution being accepted, highlighting the perceived significance of the painting's subject matter.
Overall, the painting "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States" is an important work of art that captures a pivotal moment in American history. It serves as a visual reminder of the country's founding and the efforts of the delegates who came together to create the US Constitution.
The Constitution's Signing: A Historical Event
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The artist's intention
Howard Chandler Christy's painting, "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States", is an important work that captures a pivotal moment in American history. The artist's intention behind this painting was to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Constitution and portray the signing ceremony with historical accuracy and political interpretation.
Christy, a renowned illustrator and portrait painter, was commissioned by the US government in 1939 to create this artwork. He conducted extensive research, studying accounts of the event, portraits of the signers, the Assembly Room of Independence Hall, and even the apparel and artifacts of that era. This attention to detail is evident in the painting, where he includes authentic costumes, furniture, and artifacts used by the delegates.
One of Christy's key intentions was to showcase the significance of the event and the people involved. He does this by including 40 of the 55 individuals who attended the Convention, with a notable emphasis on William Jackson, the convention's secretary. Jackson is placed prominently in the center of the painting, despite not being a signer himself. This highlights Christy's interpretation of the event and his intention to portray those who played a critical role in the process.
The artist also intended to capture the political dynamics and symbolism of the time. For example, he included John Dickinson, whose signature was added by proxy, while excluding three delegates who declined to sign the Constitution. Additionally, Christy's use of light is significant, with George Washington surrounded by an aura of light, creating a halo effect. This use of light draws attention to key figures and important aspects of the painting, such as the American flag and the Constitution itself.
Finally, Christy's painting invites viewers to reflect on the influence of the Bible on the US Constitution. The inclusion of religious symbolism and the depiction of the signing in a sacred light suggest that Christy intended to explore the intersection of religion and governance in the founding of the nation.
The Lone Colony: The Constitution's Missing Signature
You may want to see also
The painting's critical reception
Howard Chandler Christy's painting, "Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States", is one of the most famous depictions of the early days of the United States. The painting is significant not only for its subject matter but also for its artistic and political interpretation, making it a valuable piece of American history.
However, art critics have also expressed more negative opinions. Some have dismissed the painting as mere illustration rather than high art, suggesting that it is more suitable for a sentimental gift shop poster than the walls of the US Capitol Building. There has been debate about whether the painting is a worthy commemoration of a significant event in American history or a waste of funds during a period of economic depression.
Despite the varied critical reception, the painting holds a significant place in American history and continues to be a well-known image displayed in the US Capitol, offering a unique interpretation of the signing of the Constitution.
Massachusetts' Role in Signing the Constitution
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Howard Chandler Christy's 1940 painting of the signing of the US Constitution is important because it is one of the most famous depictions of the early days of the United States. It is also one of the best-known images in the US Capitol, where it is displayed in the east grand stairway of the House wing. The painting is important because it invites citizens to think about the Bible's influence on the US Constitution.
The painting is historically significant because it depicts a defining moment in the life of the United States as a new nation. It shows 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signing the US Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. The painting is also notable for its effort at historical authenticity, including the accurate depiction of the Assembly Room and the costumes of the delegates.
Some interesting facts about the painting include:
- It measures 20 by 30 feet (6.1 by 9.1 meters) and is painted in oil on canvas.
- It was commissioned in 1939 as part of the 150th anniversary of the Constitution and was completed in 1940.
- Christy researched and included accurate details such as the angle of sunlight in the room, the furniture, and the costumes of the delegates.
- Only 39 of the 55 delegates are pictured in the painting, excluding those who did not sign or left the convention early.
