Analysis Of 'The Baptism Of Pocahontas'

The Baptism of Pocahontas by John Gadsby Chapman was commissioned in 1837and was placed in the Rotunda in 1840. The painting depicts the baptismal ceremony of Pocahontas and takes place in 1613 or 1614 in Jamestown, Virginia.1 The relationship between the Indians and Virginians was strained during this period. In an attempt to force the Powhatan Indians to negotiate a peace treaty, Virginia kidnapped Pocahontas in hopes that it would force the Indians to accept the peace treaty.2 Pocahontas had three options during her capture, and chose the option of marrying John Rolfe with the hopes of helping forge a relationship between the Virginians and her people.2 However, the armed guards and the somber look of the Indians seems to imply that

Weir does not show a commission date; however the painting was placed in the Rotunda in 1843. This painting is a depiction of the voyage of the pilgrims aboard the ship Speedwell prior to their July 22, 1620 departure from Delfs Haven, Holland to America in search of religious freedom.4 Symbolism was a big part of history and this is depicted in the painting. There are men, women, and children aboard the ship which suggests the Pilgrims place great emphasis on the family structure and on community togetherness. Hope of a better life for themselves and their families is symbolized by the rainbow that has been included in the portrait. The open Bible, the heads that are raised to heaven, and the words “God with us” that appear on the upper left corner of the sail signify the spirituality of the people on the ship. The armor, musket, and helmet symbolizes the readiness of the Pilgrims to protect those aboard the ship should the need arise. The Pilgrims symbolize the moral mission of the Republic. The 1840s were marked with increased westward expansion and the acquisition of areas such as California, Utah, and Arizona. The sense of hope and anticipation was successfully depicted by the artist through his use of symbols such as the rainbow and the open Bible. The painting is depicted in such a way that it would be easy to understand the significance of the voyage and the significances of the symbols included in the

The painting depicts the first landfall of Columbus and his men while on an expedition from Europe to China, Japan, and other potential unknown lands.4 The landing of Christopher Columbus in what is now San Salvador is synonymous with the idea of Americans that Christopher Columbus discovered the New World which we now call America. However, the painting shows natives peeking from behind trees which indicate the land was already inhabited and that Columbus did not discover America but rather confiscated this new land from natives already living there. The planting of the royal banner of Aragon and Castille signifies Columbus claiming the land for the Spanish people. Events that were occurring during the painting of the Landing of Christopher Columbus include westward expansion and political conflicts. The defeat of Mexico by America increased the size of the nation and the issue of slavery was still prevalent in America. Columbus is looking upward as if to thank God for a safe journey. The painting successfully depicts the events that may have been occurring during the time Columbus landed in San Salvador. The dark clouds are, perhaps, symbolic of the conflict that prevailed so that Columbus could claim the new land. The planting of his flag symbolizes that Columbus was successful in his