Patriotic Art: Surrender of Lord Cornwallis

 

The American Revolution (1775 to1783) inspired generations of artists who sought to capture its drama, heroism, sacrifice, and ideals. While many works were created long after the events—often blending historical fact with artistic license and symbolism—these paintings have profoundly shaped how Americans visualize their founding struggle. They range from near-contemporary propaganda pieces to grand 19th-century historical epics. Among the best:

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis by John Trumbull (1820)

A Trumbull masterpiece in the Capitol Rotunda, this depicts the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, effectively ending major combat. American and French forces receive the surrender (Cornwallis himself is absent, citing illness). The painting highlights the Franco-American alliance and military triumph, with careful attention to uniforms and figures based on Trumbull's research and portraits.

Virginia in the American Revolution

Secrets of American History