<P> A key step marking the evolution of the Declaration in the nation's consciousness is the now well - known painting Declaration of Independence by Connecticut political painter John Trumbull . It was commissioned by the United States Congress in 1817 . 12 - by - 18 - foot (3.7 by 5.5 m) in size, it has hung in the United States Capitol Rotunda since 1826 . It has been often reproduced, and is the visual image most associated by Americans with the Declaration . </P> <P> The painting is sometimes incorrectly described as the signing of the Declaration of Independence . In fact, the painting actually shows the five - man drafting committee presenting their draft of the Declaration to the Second Continental Congress, an event that took place on June 28, 1776, and not the signing of the document, which took place later . </P> <P> The painting, the figures painted from life when possible, does not contain all the signers . Some had died and images could not be located . One figure had participated in the drafting but did not sign the final document; another refused to sign . In fact the membership of the Second Continental Congress changed as time passed, and the figures in the painting were never in the same room at the same time . </P> <P> It is, however, an accurate depiction of the room in the building known today as Independence Hall, the centerpiece of the Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . Trumbull visited the room, which was where the Second Continental Congress met, when researching for his painting . At the time it was the Pennsylvania State House . </P>

Who was left out of the declaration of independence 1776