'''Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States''' is a famous oil-on-canvas
painting by
Howard Chandler Christy, depicting the
Constitutional Convention signing the
U.S. Constitution at
Independence Hall in
Philadelphia. Along with ''
Washington Crossing the Delaware'' by
Emanuel Leutze, the painting is one of the most famous depictions of the
American Revolution. Christy created the painting in April
1940. It currently is displayed along the east stairway in the
House of Representatives wing in the
Capitol building.
Only 39 of the 55 delegates are pictured in the painting; not included are the three delegates who did not sign the Constitution or the 13 delegates who left the convention. On the right side of the painting, on the dais, is
George Washington, standing upright and signing the Constitution on a desk. The windows are open and an aura of light surrounds Washington's upper body. Above him is an
American flag and
drum. Behind him are
James Wilson of
Pennsylvania and
Richard Bassett of
Delaware, talking with each other. Behind them on the far right is another Delaware delegate,
George Read; below them is the another Pennsylvania delegate,
Robert Morris. Slightly to the right of Washington is the standing
Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer from
Maryland.
William Jackson, the Convention's secretary, is unusually prominent in the painting, directly in the center, standing, in red.
Sources
★ Lloyd, Gordon. "About Howard Chandler Christy's Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States."
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