Penn's Treaty with the Indians
1840 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This is one of many versions of the subject painted by Edward Hicks, depicting the 1681 peace treaty between William Penn and the Lenape people. It is an oil on canvas work that characterizes Hicks's simplified, folk-art approach to historical themes.
Did you know?
Edward Hicks, a Quaker minister, painted dozens of versions of this scene throughout his life, using it as a reflection of his religious belief in peace and harmony. Interestingly, although the painting depicts a specific historical event, it is heavily stylized and relies on iconography rather than historical accuracy, reflecting Hicks's personal interpretations of Pennsylvania's founding history.
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Penn's Treaty with the Indians
Edward Hicks, 1840
