Framed Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery by John Trumbull

Christ and the Woman Taken in Adultery by John Trumbull is a powerful neoclassical painting completed in 1820, depicting the biblical scene from the Gospel of John (John 8:1–11). In the story, Jesus is confronted by the scribes and Pharisees who present a woman accused of adultery, hoping to trap him into contradicting Mosaic Law or Roman law. Trumbull captures the pivotal moment when Jesus calmly says, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." Trumbull renders Christ as a serene and authoritative figure, contrasting sharply with the agitated, self-righteous accusers around him. The woman, kneeling in humility and fear, is illuminated in a soft, sympathetic light. The composition uses dramatic chiaroscuro and classical architectural backdrops, emphasizing moral clarity and divine justice. This painting reflects both Trumbull’s classical training and his deep interest in moral and religious themes later in life, diverging from his better-known Revolutionary War subjects.