ThePeaceableKingdom Jean Pederson

Here we observe a scene depicting an unlikely harmony between predator and prey within a stylized landscape. A large lion reclines prominently in the foreground, its posture relaxed and seemingly benign. Adjacent to it, nestled close, is a lamb, appearing vulnerable yet unafraid. Further back, a calf and what appears to be a young goat are also present, contributing to an overall impression of interspecies tranquility.
The setting itself is rendered with a deliberate lack of naturalism. Trees are simplified into geometric forms, their foliage suggested rather than meticulously detailed. The ground slopes gently towards a body of water, which reflects the sky in broad strokes of blue and white. This flatness contributes to a sense of artificiality, suggesting that the scene exists within a symbolic realm rather than a realistic one.
Inscribed vertically along the left edge is the phrase The Wolf Shall Also Dwell, while the right side bears “Lion And Falling Together.” These phrases function as textual anchors, providing immediate context for the visual narrative. They allude to a prophetic vision of reconciliation and peace, where natural enemies coexist without conflict.
The color palette reinforces this sense of serenity. Earth tones – ochre, brown, and green – dominate, punctuated by the bright yellow of the lion’s mane and the white of the lambs fleece. The overall effect is one of deliberate simplicity and symbolic weight.
Subtly, the artist seems to be exploring themes of innocence, vulnerability, and the potential for harmony even in situations traditionally defined by antagonism. The composition invites contemplation on the nature of peace and the possibility of transcending inherent divisions. The inscription at the bottom, The Peaceable Kingdom, solidifies this thematic focus, presenting the scene as a representation of an idealized state of being.