217 Films' Glorious Morning Tracks How Painters Shaped the Revolution's Image

Glorious Morning: A Revolution Revealed is a 2026 documentary crafted by Michael Maglaras, who took on the roles of writer, director, and narrator. Produced by Terri Templeton and available for free streaming at two17films.com, the film delves into the artwork that influenced America's founding narrative. Central to this exploration is portraiture, showcasing figures like Paul Revere, painted by John Singleton Copley, and George Washington, depicted by Charles Willson Peale. Gilbert Stuart, renowned for his numerous portraits of Washington, created the unfinished Athenaeum Portrait (1796), which inspired the one-dollar bill's image. Additionally, John Trumbull's dramatic canvases, like The Battle of Bunker's Hill (1786), transformed recent history into a shared national identity. Benjamin West connects these artists, with his The Death of General Wolfe (1770) elevating contemporary events to classical significance, illustrating their role in shaping American collective identity.