William Penn's Treaty with the Indians

1775

John Hall, after Benjamin West

Associated Names
John Hall

Artist, British, 1739 - 1797

John Boydell

Publisher, British, 1719 - 1804

Benjamin West

Artist After, American, 1738 - 1820

This is a painting of a historical scene depicting a treaty between European settlers and Native Americans. The scene shows a gathering of European settlers dressed in period clothing, engaging in a diplomatic interaction with a group of Native Americans adorned in traditional attire and headdresses. The environment is outdoors with large trees framing the left side, and several European-style buildings in the background. Beyond the buildings, there are ships visible in the distance, indicating a coastal setting. The sky is full of clouds, providing a dramatic backdrop. The painting includes detailed clothing textures and expressions conveying negotiation and discussion. This is in the style of Benjamin West.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving and etching with watercolor on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    The McNeil Americana Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 42.7 × 59.1 cm (16 13/16 × 23 1/4 in.)
    sheet: 48.9 × 60.9 cm (19 1/4 × 24 in.) (cut within platemark)

  • Accession Number

    2015.29.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Le Blanc 1854-1888, no. 8

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Robert L. McNeil, Jr. [1915-2010], Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania; his estate; gift 2015 from the McNeil Americana Collection to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1854

  • Le Blanc, Charles. _Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, contenant le dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations, dans lequel sont decrites les estampes rares, precieuses et interessantes avec l'indication de leurs differents etats et des prix auxquels, no. 8

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Benj West pinxit; lower right in plate: John Hall sculpsit; lower center in plate: John Boydell excudit 1775 / WILLIAM PENN'S Treaty with the INDIANS, when he founded the PROVINCE of PENSYLVANIA in NORTH AMERICA 1681. / To the Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania, & c. &c. / This PRINT, Engraved from the Original Painting belonging to the late Thomass Penn Esquire. / Published June 12th by JOHN BOYDELL Engraver in Cheapside London

Wikidata ID

Q77015321

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