Surrender of Lord Cornwallis
John Trumbull · 1819
Why it's great
In 1781, after the Battle of Yorktown, British officers lay down their arms as the American and French soldiers watch. Trumbull painted many portraits of real officers, and he worked from life. The surrender was a decisive moment in the American Revolution. It hangs in the U.S. Capitol.
🏛️ Part of history
The American Revolution (1765–1783) — British troops lay down their arms at Yorktown in 1781, the battle that ended the war.
Where to see it
📍 United States CapitolWashington, D.C., United States
Open in Maps ↗Hang it on your wall
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John Trumbull was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, and served as an officer in the American Revolution. Afterwards he studied painting in London with Benjamin West. He is best known for paintings of key events in the Revolution, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He died in New York City in 1843.
