Baptism 1870

William P. Chappel made this small painting, Baptism, using oil on canvas. At first glance, it looks like a straightforward historical scene. But notice how the paint is applied, almost crudely. Thick strokes define the figures and the churning water. Chappel wasn't a trained artist. He was more like an antiquarian, interested in preserving a record of earlier times in his native Maryland and surrounding areas. So his art-making was about documentation more than aesthetics. The painting's small size adds to its intimate, almost folkloric quality. It feels like a cherished memento, made with modest means. In many ways, this image bridges the fine arts and folk art. That can challenge our assumptions about skill and intention. It invites us to think about how art-making can be a way of preserving cultural memory, regardless of formal training.