The painting was completed in 1820, and it currently resides at the United States Capitol rotunda in Washington, DC. The painting depicts the scene of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The painting includes 47 prominent figures, including Thomas Jefferson, who is depicted as the central figure drafting the document, as well as John Hancock, who is shown signing the declaration. The painting is designed in a way to represent the unity and determination of the thirteen colonies.
The two-dollar bill was designed in the early 1900s, and the painting "Declaration of Independence" was selected to be featured on the reverse side. The decision was made to honor the historical significance and the iconic nature of the painting. The two-dollar bill is a rarely used denomination in circulation, but it is still available and remains legal tender.