Edward Hicks – Penn’s Treaty with the Indians National Gallery of Art (Washington)

The composition presents a formal gathering centered around a central figure who appears to be presiding over a treaty negotiation. A group of individuals, distinguished by their attire and ornamentation, are arranged on either side of him. The figures on the left appear to represent Indigenous people, adorned with feathers and traditional garments, seated upon blankets and furs. Their expressions range from attentive observation to what might be interpreted as cautious reserve. On the right stand European-clad men, some in formal coats and hats, seemingly acting as witnesses or participants in the proceedings.
The central figure, presumably the treaty maker, holds a document, suggesting its significance as the basis of the agreement. He is positioned slightly forward, emphasizing his role as mediator or leader. A palpable sense of formality pervades the scene; the arrangement suggests a deliberate attempt to portray an equitable exchange between two distinct cultures.
The background reveals a landscape with trees and what appears to be a settlement in the distance, hinting at the expansion of European presence into new territories. Above this scene, a cascade of autumnal leaves descends, potentially symbolizing abundance or the passage of time. The dark upper portion of the canvas creates a stark contrast with the brightly lit foreground, drawing attention to the central event and its participants.
The inscription beneath the image provides context, explicitly identifying the event as Penns Treaty with the Indians and asserting its foundational role in establishing religious and civil liberty within the United States. This text serves not only as identification but also as a declaration of historical importance and ideological justification for colonial expansion.
Subtleties within the painting suggest complexities beyond the surface narrative. The Indigenous figures, while presented respectfully, are positioned somewhat lower than their European counterparts, potentially reflecting an implicit hierarchy. Their expressions, though varied, do not convey enthusiastic agreement; rather, they seem to embody a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The inscriptions claim of a never broken treaty is demonstrably false when considered against the historical record of displacement and conflict between settlers and Indigenous populations, introducing a layer of ideological manipulation into the work. Ultimately, the painting functions as both a commemoration of an event and a statement about its perceived significance within a specific cultural and political framework.