Writing the Declaration of Independence: Five men, one declaration and 17 days

The Declaration of Independence was completed more quickly than commonly perceived, taking only 17 days for five men to finalize. This historical event is captured in a first half 20th century oil on canvas painting by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris. Titled Writing the declaration of Independence, 1776, the artwork depicts key figures including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson collaborating on the foundational document during the American revolutionary period.