Peaceable Kingdom 1825

Editor: Here we have Edward Hicks's "Peaceable Kingdom" painted in 1825, using oil. The gentle colors and serene composition give it a sort of dreamlike innocence. I'm curious, what is your interpretation of this idealized scene? Curator: This painting strikes me as both hopeful and a little haunting. It is almost like glimpsing a child’s crayon drawing of paradise. Look at the odd placement of the figures; each element seems carefully posed. Hicks draws heavily from the Book of Isaiah, imagining a world where children can lead lions and wolves befriend lambs. He revisits this scene many times throughout his career, hinting at something more profound than just a biblical scene. Doesn't it make you wonder what turmoil he’s hoping to soothe with this vision? Editor: That's interesting... I didn't think of the "Peaceable Kingdom" as hinting at any kind of internal turmoil, more as just an attempt at illustrating something. How do you think his personal life ties into this work? Curator: Well, Hicks was a Quaker minister and sign painter, a fascinating combination, don’t you think? The Society of Friends valued inner peace and pacifism. It is my belief that the act of painting *Peaceable Kingdom* might be less about outward proselytizing, but more about finding personal solace amidst a constantly disruptive world, especially with the very public schisms happening within the Quaker community itself during this period. Can’t you almost feel his longing radiating from the canvas? Editor: That makes a lot of sense! So the painting becomes not just an illustration of scripture but almost a…prayer, maybe? Thanks for offering your insights into this work, I'll never see it the same way again! Curator: It's been a delight! May you always find layers in the art you see.