Grave of William Penn at Jordans in England 1848

Edward Hicks made this painting of William Penn’s Grave at Jordans in England, using humble materials of oil on canvas. The artist applied the paint thinly, almost like house paint, which is perhaps not surprising, given that he also worked as a coach painter, who decorated the surfaces of carriages. The materials used here are not particularly precious, but it is the mode of representation that carries the significance, because Hicks was interested in expressing spiritual values rooted in the Quaker religion. The materials are very humble, and the composition is very carefully balanced with the building on the left, the trees on the right, and the figures in the foreground. Hicks's interest was in the subject matter and the way that it invites reflection. He did not see painting as an elitist practice, but rather a way to illustrate biblical stories, and create conversation pieces that had an inherent message. By focusing on the values of humility and peace, Hicks elevates both the subject matter, and the commonness of his chosen materials.