About the Painting
Millions of Christians firmly believe that God had a hand in the founding of the United States of America. This belief prevailed and even solidified when in 1956 the national motto “In God we Trust” was officially enshrined by law–and since protected in the courts. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it seems only right to honor God’s guiding hand, too. Illumination 1776, by Matthew Grant, depicts Jesus as present at the drafting of the Declaration.
In this painting, Thomas Jefferson is sitting at a table writing, with the other four members of the Committee of Five, appointed by the Second Continental Congress on June 11, 1776. The committee included Jefferson and, from left to right in the painting, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, John Adams, and Robert Livingston. The artist based each figure on well-known historical portraits, adjusting for age, height, and build to show how each man may have looked when the Declaration was written.
Immediately behind Jefferson is Jesus, watching closely and dressed in simple robes like those worn in his day in Palestine. Notice Jesus’ expression, which you might consider somber, serious, or determined. He must know that the Declaration will spark a war needed to win and protect religious freedom. Who better understands that freedom from bondage comes at the cost of blood? Perhaps the embers in the fireplace, wholly unnecessary on a June night in Philadelphia, hint at that coming conflict.
Scattered throughout the painting are many additional symbols with deep meaning. Consider the empty chair under the window, the scales, the books, the globe, scraps of paper on the table, the coins, the candles, the mirror, Franklin’s hand in his pocket, his direct gaze at you, the viewer, and the trunk in the foreground… What does each of these mean to you?
What do you hope to say about your respect for the founders and the Savior when you display Illumination 1776 in your home or office? What would you like your grandkids to consider when they receive the Art Cards?
Each painting is precisely 74 cm × 76 cm (29.1” x 29.9”) in honor of 7/4/76, the date the Declaration was adopted. The frame, border, or blank space around the print will add to the finished size. The Art Cards are 7.4” × 7.6” for the same reason, but have no borders.
The original is painted in oil on wood, so it has no canvas texture. Every detail is crisp and fluid. To get a product closest to the original, choose the Art Poster or ask for museum-quality art paper in one of the framed options. Of course, nothing says “fine art” in your home like a museum-quality canvas print.
The choice of how to express Christ’s living presence in America is now yours.
FREE Phone Wallpaper
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