John Trumbull
John Trumbull made the Signing of the Declaration. He was born in Connecticut. (June 6, 1756 – November 10, 1843) was an American artist during the time of the American Revolutionary War. He was known for his historical paintings. His Declaration of Independence (1817) was used on the reverse of the two-dollar bill. Do not get him confused with John Trumbull the poet. "The greatest motive I had or have for engaging in or for continuing my pursuit of painting has been the wish of commemorating the great events of our country's Revolution." This post is from John Trumbull in a letter to Thomas Jefferson. John had an inside view of the war because he served as a colonel in the Continental war and an aide to General Washington in the American Revolution. Today four of his paintings hang in the U.S Capitol Rotunda. This is an example of the American dream because Trumbull worked hard to get that inside view of the war and it paid off because he is well known and respected for his art.
Mary Cassatt
Mary Cassatt, born May 22, 1844, Allegheny City [now part of Pittsburgh], Pennsylvania, U.S.—died June 14, 1926, Chateau de Beaufresne,near Paris, France), American painter and printmaker who was part of the group of Impressionists (a small group from France who painted portraits, but were very difficult for that time period. They painted very formal things and lightly too.) working in and around Paris. She painted women and children. Mary Cassatt was the daughter of a well-to-do real estate and investment broker, and her upbringing reflected her family's high social standing. Her schooling prepared her to be a proper wife and mother and included such classes as homemaking, embroidery, music, sketching and painting. During the 1850s, the Cassatts took their children abroad to live in Europe for several years. Mary went to the Academy of Fine Arts. Cassatt was contacted by the archbishop of Pittsburgh. He wanted to commission the artist to paint copies of two works by the Italian master Correggio. Cassatt accepted the assignment and left immediately for Europe, where the originals were on display in Parma, Italy. With the money she earned from the commission, she was able to resume her career in Europe. The Paris Salon accepted her paintings for exhibitions in 1872, 1873 and 1874, which helped secure her status as an established artist. Disabilities forced Mary to give up painting because it was taking her vision. Mary lived the American dream because she stuck with what she wanted and then people all over wanted her pictures.