National Portrait Gallery Adds Historic Wax Diorama and New Independence Gallery
The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery has introduced two new elements to its 'Out of Many: Portraits from 1600 to 1900' display. These include a recently restored wax diorama by Bartlett Frost showing signers of the Declaration of Independence and a dedicated gallery covering the period 1765–1789. The diorama, originally created in 1969 and last exhibited in 1976, portrays members of the Second Continental Congress. This addition coincides with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The installation is based on John Trumbull's famous painting of the same historical moment.
Key facts
- The National Portrait Gallery has added a conserved wax diorama and a new gallery section.
- The diorama was made by Bartlett Frost between 1968 and 1969.
- It depicts signers of the Declaration of Independence during its presentation.
- The work was last shown publicly in 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial.
- These additions mark the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding.
Entities
Artists
- Bartlett Frost
- John Trumbull
Institutions
- Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery