Surrender of General Burgoyne

John Trumbull painted this wonderful work of art in 1821, and it was placed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in 1826. 

This painting is one of four works of art Trumbull has in the Rotunda.  He planned this painting as am outdoor scene to contrast with  the Signing of the Declaration of Independence which hangs next to it.  Trumbull is an amazing artist considering a childhood accident left him blind in one eye.

Trumbull served in the Patriot army during the American Revolution.   While in Boston he was able to make sketches that proved to be useful to the Patriots of the British works.  He was also a personal aide to Washington and General Gates.

The painting is a portrayal of the British surrender following the Battle of Saratoga on October 17, 1777.

From left to right we see American Captain Seymour of Connecticut, American Colonel Scammel of New Hampshire (in blue), British Major General William Phillips (in red), British Lieutenant General John Burgoyne (in red), American Major General Horatio Gates (in blue), American Colonel Daniel Morgan (in white).

The Battle of Saratoga was a major turning point during the American Revolution.   England was unable to achieve its goal of dividing New England from the rest of the colonies and France was finally persuaded to help the Patriots.

Take a close look at the painting.   General Burgoyne is ready to hand his sword over to General Gates – and act of submission.    Gates, in an effort to show Burgoyne respect refuses to take the sword and offers him refreshment in his tent.

The painting is one that shows peace rather than hostility.

A smaller version of this painting hangs in the collection at the Yale University Art Gallery.