Analyzing Edward Hicks's Peaceable Kingdom Paintings

1546 Words4 Pages

Peaceable Kingdom is a painting done by Edward Hicks that is found in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. This location houses one of the 62 different versions of this painting. This specific piece of art work was completed in 1834 was given to several different owners until Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbish gifted it to the museum in 1980 after their death. 3 All 62 versions of this painting are similar, yet different. The different paintings include varying details, but they all include the same theme. It is said that the paintings were based off of engravings done by Richard Westwall, showcasing an array of animals with children in a forest. All of Hick’s Peaceful Kingdom paintings include this scene and exude Edward Hick’s favorite scripture verse. The Peaceable Kingdom idea is based off of the Bible passage Isaiah, 11:6-8: “The wolf did with the lambkin dwell in peace. His grim carnivorous nature there did cease. The leopard with the harmless kid laid down. And not one savage beast was seen to frown. The lion with the fatling on did move. A little child was leading them in love.” This bible verse represents peace and togetherness. It instructs that the wolf and lamb, leopard and goad, cow and bear, lion and ox, infant and cobra, and child and viper will all interact together. This is powerful …show more content…

The progressions of his portrait, teach a very important lesson though. As the scripture instructs it is vitally important to put aside individual surface stereotypes. It is equally important to compromise to work together. In doing both of these things, harmony prevails. An individual is able to live a truer, more genuine life. In addition, societies are able to thrive with the diversity of everyone living together. With this cohabitation, beauty can be seen in all of the species and the

More about Analyzing Edward Hicks's Peaceable Kingdom Paintings

Open Document