“Penn’s Treaty” by Edward Hicks, created in 1835, is a noteworthy example of Naïve Art, also known as Primitivism, within the genre of religious painting. This artwork depicts the historical and religious event of William Penn’s peace agreement with the Lenape Native Americans.
The artwork vividly represents the symbolic and foundational moment in American history where European settlers, led by William Penn, engage in a treaty with the Native American leaders. In the foreground, the composition shows Penn and his associates, identifiable by their distinctive 17th-century attire, presenting a document to a group of Native Americans adorned with traditional regalia and feathered headdresses. A significant tree creates a natural arch above the scene, emphasizing its importance. The backdrop is filled with serene landscape elements, such as a gently sloping hill, a colonial building, a dock, and a ship. The sublime sky and tranquil environment serve as a witness to this peaceful covenant, suggesting themes of harmony and mutual respect. The naïve, or primitive, artistic style is evident in the straightforward, yet evocative, portrayal of the figures and the simplified but rich details within the natural setting.
