Edward Savage’s painting "Submitting the Declaration of Independence to the Continental Congress" is significant primarily because it is considered one of the most accurate depictions of the historic moment when the first draft of the Declaration of Independence was presented to the Second Continental Congress on June 28, 1776

. Unlike more famous versions, such as John Trumbull’s painting, Savage’s work was based on an earlier painting by Robert Edge Pine, who had direct access to Independence Hall and aimed for faithful representation of the event and setting

. Key points of significance include:

• Historical Accuracy : The painting captures the actual interior of the Pennsylvania State House (Independence Hall) and the figures involved in the presentation, including Thomas Jefferson placing the draft before John Hancock, with the other committee members John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Benjamin Franklin present

• Moment Depicted : It shows the submission of the draft Declaration, marking the beginning of debate and discussion, rather than the signing or final approval of the document

• Patriotic Symbolism : As an early visual record of a seminal event in American history, the painting helped foster patriotic sentiment in the young nation by providing a tangible image of its founding moment

• Connection to Revolutionary History : The painting, through Pine’s and Savage’s collaboration, represents an important early attempt to visually document the American Revolution with fidelity, contrasting with Trumbull’s later but more dramatized and idealized version

Thus, Savage’s painting holds a special place as a historically grounded artistic interpretation that contributed to the visual memory and patriotic identity of the United States during its formative years.