Peaceable Kingdom 1837

Edward Hicks painted this 'Peaceable Kingdom', where he envisions harmony through potent symbols. The lion, bull, and lamb resting together evoke Isaiah's vision of universal peace, deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian eschatology. This motif echoes in diverse cultural contexts—consider the Gilgamesh epic where animals live in harmony, or ancient Roman depictions of Pax, the goddess of peace, surrounded by bountiful nature and gentle creatures. The image stirs collective memories of a lost Eden, a paradise where primal instincts are subdued, and fear gives way to serenity. Yet, even here, beneath the veneer of tranquility, lurks a subtle tension. The somewhat anxious gazes of the animals and the compositional balance between shadow and light suggest an undercurrent of latent conflict. This interplay evokes a profound psychological resonance, tapping into our deepest longing for peace while acknowledging the ever-present potential for discord, a dichotomy that constantly resurfaces in art and life.