Rhode Islanders Honored in the U.S. Capitol
There are several famous depictions of prominent Rhode Islanders throughout the U.S. Capitol, as well as several works of art created by noted Rhode Island artist, Gilbert Stuart.
Statuary in the Capitol
The National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol contains statues donated by the States to honor their historically notable residents. The entire collection consists of 100 statues contributed by all 50 states. Rhode Island was the first state to contribute statues.
- In 1870, a statue of Nathanael Greene by sculptor Henry Kirke Brown was the first statue to be placed in Statuary Hall.
- Two years later, in 1872, a statue of Roger Williams by Frank Simmons was the second statue placed in Statuary Hall.
The Declaration of Independence
John Trumbull
Oil on canvas, 12' x 18'
Commissioned 1817; purchased 1819; placed 1826
Rotunda
The first painting to be completed by Trumbull shows the signing of the Declaration of Independence in what is now called Independence Hall, Philadelphia, on July 4, 1776. The painting features the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence--John Adams, Roger Sherman, Thomas Jefferson presenting the document, and Benjamin Franklin--standing before John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress.
Trumbull depicted the Rhode Island delegation to the 1st Continental Congress in the group of men standing in the back. Stephen Hopkins can be seen wearing the hat and William Ellery is standing to his left. Both men were signers of the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Rhode Island. The artist sketched the individuals and the room from life.
Source: www.senate.gov
General George Washington Resigning His Commission to Congress as Commander in Chief of the Army at Annapolis, Maryland, December 23, 1783
John Trumbull
Oil on canvas, 12' x 18'
Commissioned 1817; purchased 1824
Rotunda
General George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Army to the Congress, which was then meeting at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, on December 23, 1783. This action was of great significance in establishing of civilian rather than military rule, leading to democracy rather than dictatorship. Washington stands with two aides-de-camp addressing the president of the Congress, Thomas Mifflin, and others, such as Elbridge Gerry, Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison. Mrs. Washington and her three grandchildren are shown watching from the gallery, although they were not in fact present at the event. The painting also includes a portrait of David Howell, a delegate from Rhode Island.
Source: www.senate.gov
The Battle of Lake Erie
William H. Powell
Oil on canvas
1873
In 1865, artist William H. Powell illustrated the victory of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry on Lake Erie during the War of 1812 in a painting which now hangs in Ohio's state capitol. Eight years later, he created this larger version in a temporary studio in the U.S. Capitol. The painting depicts the moment when Commodore Perry and a small contingent, in a daring move, rowed a half-mile through heavy gunfire to another American ship, the U.S.S. Niagara. Boarding and taking command, he brought the Niagara into battle and soundly defeated the British fleet. Perry summarized the fight in a now-famous message to General William Henry Harrison: "We have met the enemy and they are ours."
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry was born and spent much of his childhood in South Kingston, Rhode Island.
For a history of the Battle of Lake Erie visit: http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/art/artifact/Painting_33_00008.htm#bio
Portraits of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart
Thomas Chestnut Portrait
Landsowne or "teapot" portrait
Edward Pennington portrait
Gilbert Stuart, the Rhode Island born artist, is considered one of the foremost American portraitists. A number of replicas by Stuart of his own Athenaeum portraits of George Washington are on display in the Capitol, including the Thomas Chestnut portrait, the Lansdowne or "teapot" portrait located in the House Reception Room, and the Edward Pennington portrait, which can be found in S-210.
For a more complete biography of Gilbert Stuart visit: http://www.nga.gov/collection/gallery/gg60a/gg60a-over1.html
