The black man on the back of the two dollar bill is indeed Robert Morris of Pennsylvania. This is an undisputed fact, supported by historical evidence and the original Trumbull painting in the Capitol Rotunda.
To understand why Robert Morris is depicted on the two dollar bill, it is important to delve into his significant contributions to American history. Robert Morris was a prominent figure during the American Revolution and played a crucial role in financing the war effort. He was known as the “Financier of the Revolution” and served as the Superintendent of Finance from 1781 to 1784.
Morris was a wealthy merchant and a key member of the Continental Congress. He used his own personal credit and resources to secure loans and provide financial support to the struggling American forces. His efforts were instrumental in sustaining the army and ensuring its ability to fight against the British.
In addition to his financial expertise, Morris also had a strong commitment to the abolition of slavery. He was one of the few prominent Founding Fathers who actively worked towards ending the institution of slavery. Morris signed the Constitution of the United States and was among the delegates who pushed for the inclusion of the Commerce Clause, which aimed to limit the international slave trade.
The depiction of Robert Morris on the two dollar bill is based on John Trumbull’s famous painting, “The Signing of the Declaration of Independence.” Trumbull was a renowned artist of the time and sought to accurately portray the historical event. The painting, completed between 1817 and 1820, features numerous figures including Founding Fathers and other individuals who played significant roles in the American Revolution.
The key to identifying Robert Morris in the painting lies in the fact that Trumbull deliberately used color symbolism to distinguish various individuals. He assigned specific colors to different individuals to aid in their identification. Robert Morris is depicted wearing a yellow coat, which is a visual cue that allows viewers to recognize him.
While there may be some debate or confusion surrounding the identification of individuals in historical paintings, the portrayal of Robert Morris on the two dollar bill is widely accepted and supported by historical evidence. It is a testament to his contributions to the American Revolution and his significant role in shaping the financial and political landscape of the United States.
The black man on the back of the two dollar bill is unequivocally Robert Morris of Pennsylvania. His depiction is based on John Trumbull’s painting, which accurately portrays the historical event of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Robert Morris was a key figure in financing the American Revolution and played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s early history.