1. Pioneering American Artists: All three artists played a vital role in establishing a distinctly American artistic tradition. They were among the first to create art that captured the landscape, people, and wildlife of their nation, rather than solely relying on European models.
2. Focus on Realism: They all believed in capturing reality accurately. Audubon was famous for his meticulous depictions of birds in their natural habitats, Peale was known for his realistic portraits and scientific illustrations, and Trumbull focused on historical scenes with a strong sense of realism.
3. Scientific and Educational Value: Their work went beyond mere artistic expression. Audubon's bird paintings were crucial for scientific understanding of ornithology. Peale founded the Peale Museum, one of the first American museums, which showcased both art and scientific specimens. Trumbull's historical paintings aimed to educate Americans about their nation's history.
4. Entrepreneurial Spirit: All three were entrepreneurial in their approach to art. Audubon traveled extensively to document birds, selling subscriptions to his book "Birds of America" to fund his endeavors. Peale not only painted but also managed his museum and taught art classes. Trumbull actively promoted his historical paintings and used his artistic talents for political purposes.
5. Nationalist Sentiment: They all expressed a strong sense of American patriotism in their work. Audubon's "Birds of America" celebrated the diversity of American wildlife. Peale's museum showcased American history and natural wonders. Trumbull's paintings glorified the American Revolution and the founding of the nation.
In conclusion, while John James Audubon, Charles Willson Peale, and John Trumbull had distinct artistic styles and focuses, they shared a common ground in their pioneering roles in American art, commitment to realism, scientific and educational aspirations, entrepreneurial spirit, and strong nationalist sentiment.