The artwork titled “Peaceable Kingdom,” created by Edward Hicks in 1829, is a notable piece within the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. It belongs to the genre of religious paintings and forms part of Hicks’ “Peaceable Kingdom” series.
The artwork illustrates a serene and harmonious scene where a diverse array of animals, including predators and prey, coexist peacefully. A child stands confidently amongst the animals, holding a lion in a gesture of gentle guidance. The background showcases a historical event, presumably the esteemed treaty secured by William Penn and Native American leaders under an expansive elm tree. To reinforce the painting’s theme of universal harmony, verses of poetry frame the scene, invoking a vision of a utopian world where animosity and violence are replaced by peace and mutual understanding. The overall composition reflects Hicks’ vision of a harmonious and idealized world as prophesied in biblical texts.
