Synopsis

Edward Hicks, the American Quaker minister and artist, painted a series of works entitled “The Peaceable Kingdoms” between 1820 and 1849. This series of paintings is based on the Old Testament passage Isaiah 11:6. This book explores the intersection of Quakerism and Romanticism in 19th century America which is represented in Hicks’ Peaceable Kingdoms. Romantic themes in the Peaceable Kingdom are the concept of childhood, the presence of Nature, and the ideal of the noble savage.

Romanticism in 19th century America was impacted by Christian Romanticism and the development of special educational, social, and spiritual roles for children. The presence of Nature is evident through the use of animals and landscapes. A vignette of William Penn and the Indians represents Quakerism and the ideal of the noble savage. Hicks portrayed his Quaker theology and the influence of Romanticism through his Peaceable Kingdom paintings.