1794
oil
canvas
From the collection of Detroit Institute of Arts
Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown is a 1794 oil by John Trumbull, held at Detroit Institute of Arts.
The painting depicts a scene of surrender, with a group of men on horseback and on foot, dressed in military attire. The central figure, likely a commander, is shown on a white horse, while others stand around him, some holding flags or swords. The background is a cloudy sky with a mix of blue and gray hues. In the foreground, the artist has used a range of colors, from the deep reds and blues of the uniforms to the lighter tones of the horses and the sky. The brushstrokes are visible, giving the painting a sense of texture and depth. The painting is a representation of a significant historical event, and its use of color and composition draws the viewer's attention to the central figures. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.
John Trumbull (June 6, 1756 – November 10, 1843) was an American painter and military officer best known for his historical paintings of the American Revolutionary War, of which he was a veteran.
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