The artwork titled “Peaceable Kingdom” was created by Edward Hicks in 1848. This piece is part of the Naïve Art, or Primitivism, movement and is classified as a religious painting. It belongs to a series of artworks simply referred to as the “Peaceable Kingdom” series.
The artwork depicts a serene and harmonious scene wherein various animals and children coexist peacefully. Amongst the animals, there are lions, oxen, lambs, leopards, wolves, and bears, all comfortably sharing the same space, each painted with delicate precision but in a straightforward, unpretentious manner typical of the Naïve Art style. In the background, a group of settlers and Native Americans can be seen peacefully negotiating or interacting by the riverbank, symbolizing reconciliation and unity. The composition features a lush, natural setting with trees and a river enhancing the tranquil ambiance. This painting visually embodies the vision of a utopian world where mutual respect and peace prevail among all creatures.
