“The Peaceable Kingdom” is a religious painting by Edward Hicks, dated to 1847. Hicks was part of the Naïve Art movement, also known as Primitivism, which is often characterized by a childlike simplicity and frankness in its depiction of subjects. This piece is part of a series by Hicks that carries the same name, “Peaceable Kingdom,” reflecting his interest in the theme of peaceful coexistence.
In the artwork, a variety of wild animals and children are depicted together in a serene and pastoral landscape, symbolizing the peaceful coexistence envisaged in the prophecy of Isaiah from the Hebrew Bible. The painting shows a lion lying down next to a lamb, and other animals such as a leopard, a cow, and a bear are also visible, all of them interacting placidly. Additionally, there are human children interspersed among these animals, playing or resting without any fear. This idealized scene embodies a utopian vision where predators and prey live together in harmony.
In the background, there is a depiction of William Penn’s treaty with Native Americans, which is related to the Quaker belief in pacifism—a likely allusion to peace between peoples as well as between humans and nature. The landscape features trees, a river with a boat, and rolling hills under a cloud-filled sky, contributing to the tranquil atmosphere of the scene. Edward Hicks used this theme of the “Peaceable Kingdom” to express his religious convictions and his hopes for a world without conflict.
