“Peaceable Kingdom,” created by Edward Hicks in 1828, is a distinguished work belonging to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement and is categorized as a religious painting. This piece is part of Hicks’ renowned “Peaceable Kingdom” series.
The artwork embodies a harmonious and idyllic scene, reflective of the prophetic vision of peace as articulated in biblical scripture. At the heart of the composition, a child accompanied by various animals, including a lion, leopard, and lamb, coexist peacefully, symbolizing innocence and divine tranquility. In the background, a group of settlers, possibly Quakers, appears to be engaging in a respectful dialogue with Native Americans near a serene river with a ship afloat. The pastoral landscape, complemented by lush trees and a soft sky, enhances the sense of serenity and concord that defines Edward Hicks’ iconic portrayal of a utopian world.
