Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States

Scene at the Signing of the Constitution of the United States is a 1940 oil-on-canvas painting by Howard Chandler Christy, depicting the Constitutional Convention signing the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787. Along with Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Leutze, the painting is one of the most famous depictions of the early days of the United States. Christy created the painting in April 1940; it is so large () that he painted it in a sail loft. It currently is displayed along the east stairway in the House of Representatives wing in the Capitol building. Only 40 of the 55 delegates are pictured in the painting; not included are the three delegates who did not sign the Constitution or the 13 delegates who left the convention. On the right side of the painting, on the dais, George Washington, president of the convention, stands upright and looks out over the delegates. The Constitution and the Syng inkstand are on a desk before him, and Richard Spaight of North Carolina is signing the document. The windows are open and an aura of light surrounds Washington's upper body. Behind him are displayed American flags and a drum. Also behind him James Wilson of Pennsylvania and Richard Bassett of Delaware are talking. Behind them on the far right is Delaware delegate George Read; below them is Pennsylvania delegate Robert Morris, and standing slightly to the right of Washington is Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer from Maryland. William Jackson, the convention's secretary, is prominently placed directly in the center. Standing, in red, and holding up four fingers, he apparently is counting the votes. At his left elbow, James Madison observes the proceedings. Between Jackson's right hand and head is William Paterson. Benjamin Franklin is seated in the center, and Alexander Hamilton leans toward him. Standing directly behind Hamilton is Gouverneur Morris of Pennsylvania. The South Carolina delegation is depicted in the painting's left corner.