The Peaceable Kingdom Artist: Edward Hicks (American, 1780–1849)

ca. 1829–30

American Paintings and Sculpture

Not on view


The Quaker minister and artist Edward Hicks is best known for his paintings that illustrate God’s kingdom on earth, as Isaiah foretold: "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid" (Isa. 11:6). To suggest the prophecy’s fulfillment in America, Hicks included in The Peaceable Kingdom a group of Quaker leaders, headed by the English-born William Penn, a champion of democracy and religious freedom, and the founder of Philadelphia. Their flowing banner, inscribed with lines from the Gospel of Luke (2:10–11, 14), tells of the Second Coming. By setting his painting in a distinctly American landscape, Hicks imbued the biblical message with national overtones.

Medium

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

17 1/2 × 23 1/2 in. (44.5 × 59.7 cm)

Credit Line

Bequest of Robert W. Carle, B.A. 1897

Accession Number

1965.46.2

Geography

Made in United States

Culture

American

Period

19th century

Classification

Paintings

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Provenance
Bequest of Robert W. Carle, B. A. 1897, great-grandson of Edward Hicks, 1965.
Bibliography
  • Helen A. Cooper et al., Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery, exh. cat. (New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 2008), 39–41, no. 9, ill
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

human figures (visual works)

Subject

animals peace religion

Inscriptions

Frame inscribed "Peaceable Kingdom"; "Behold I bring/ you glad tidings of great joy/ Peace on Earth and Good-will to men."

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