After Trumbull, John [Key to the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. July 4th 1776]

After John Trumbull.  [Key to the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.  July 4th 1776]. 

Publisher unknown.  ca. 1850.  8 3/4 x 19 1/4 (paper).  Engraving on wove paper.  Top margin corners and bottom right margin corner chipped but filled with rice paper.  Two short repaired tears right hand side.  Key has been professionally conserved and back with rice paper.  Else very good condition.   Very scarce. 

A very scarce separately issued mid 19^th century key to the print “The Declaration of Independence.”  The heads of the figures featured in the print are shown in light etching, with a numbered key to their names in facsimile signatures below. 

The first key to Trumbull’s painting was published in a catalogue printed by William A. Mercein which Trumbull published in 1826 when his large painting of this scene was installed in the Capitol Rotunda.  To benefit from the installation of the painting, Trumbull decided to sell engravings.  He had American engraver Asher B. Durand produce a large image of the Declaration, which subsequently became one of the most popular American patriotic scenes, leading to a number of other versions in different sizes.  Another fine and large derivative print of this scene was also engraved by Waterman Lilly Ormsby (1809-1883) ca. 1835. 

Keys to any of the larger engravings of this image are scarcer than the prints themselves.  This key is not associated with the Durand engraving as the key lacks the publication line under the signatures and the spacing between the facsimile signatures and the figures has been increased.  Nor is it the key to the Ormsby engraving as the key was engraved under the title.