The Peaceable Kingdom

by Edward Hicks (1780 – 1849)

The vision of an American “peaceable kingdom” envisioned by William Penn was expressed by Edward Hicks (1780 – 1849), the Quaker folk painter and minister. Hicks depicted humans and animals living together in peace. This was also meant to represent the idea of breaking down barriers between individuals. This concept is also exemplified by showing Native Americans meeting to sign a peace treaty with William Penn and the Quaker community. This was one of the very few peace treaties in American history which were honored, at least as long as William Penn remained Governor.