William Hull (1753–1825), B.A. 1772, M.A. 1779

Artist: John Trumbull (American, 1756–1843)

1790

American Paintings and Sculpture

On view, 2nd floor, American Art before 1900


John Trumbull painted this portrait of Lieutenant Colonel William Hull in Boston as part of a set of miniatures of Revolutionary War military officers in preparation for several history paintings. Hull served almost continuously throughout the war and fought at the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Having led the Eighth Massachusetts Regiment against the British at Saratoga, New York, he stands to the immediate right of the tree in Trumbull’s The Surrender of General Burgoyne at Saratoga (1832.7). His valor earned him the commendation of General Washington and Congress, as well as a series of promotions that brought him to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Medium

Oil on wood

Dimensions

4 × 3 1/8 in. (10.2 × 7.9 cm)

Credit Line

Trumbull Collection

Accession Number

1832.26

Culture

American

Period

18th century

Classification

Miniatures

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Bibliography
  • Helen A. Cooper et al., Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery, exh. cat. (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 2008), 98, no. 40, ill.
  • Helen A. Cooper et al., John Trumbull: The Hand and Spirit of a Painter (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 1982), 127, pl. 46-50
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

Subject

Signed

Signed verso: "William Hull, Esqr./Captain in the American/army at the taking of Genl. Burgoyne-& afterwards/Colonel to the close of the/war/Painted at Boston/6N[degrees] 1790. by J. Trumbull."

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