And so we see that Trumbull's life was more that of a patriot than a painter. Art was not the controlling factor with him, but the servant. He devoted his brush to the commemoration of great historical events, such as the battles of Bunker Hill and Trenton. And when he painted portraits he selected the prominent patriotic figures in the public life of his time—Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and others of like importance.
It was only natural then that he should turn with an interest little short of enthusiasm to the portrait of that brave and gallant officer, Captain Lawrence. The face of Lawrence, as shown in Trumbull's miniature, is more rotund, more genial—not to say jovial—than we are led to believe it to be from other portraits. John Trumbull knew Lawrence, however, and found great satisfaction in this portrait. The special interest to us that distinguishes the portrait from others of Lawrence, is that it imparts a sense not so much of the military as of the personal character of the man. As pictured here, by Trumbull, he is a very human hero. In studying this portrait, we feel anew the gripping pathos of Lawrence's tragic end.
PREPARED BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF OF THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION
ILLUSTRATION FOR THE MENTOR. VOL. 4, No. 23, SERIAL No. 123
COPYRIGHT, 1917, BY THE MENTOR ASSOCIATION, INC.
THE HOURS, By Edward G. Malbone
Actual size: 7 inches high, 6 inches wide.
COPYRIGHT, 1895, BY THE PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM
IN THE PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM
AMERICAN MINIATURE PAINTERS