"The Residence of David
Twining," Edward Hicks, 1845-47. Oil on canvas.
WILLIAMSBURG, VA. - Colonial Williamsburg will display some of
the best decorative works of beloved American folk artist Edward
Hicks (1780-1849), whose ornamental painting and lettering is the
focus of ": A Closer Look at Edward Hicks."
The exhibition, on view at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art
Museum through December 31, 2004, will feature 11 paintings -
including a rare portrait of the artist - and three objects.
The selected works were chosen specifically to demonstrate Hicks'
extraordinary skill as an ornamental painter with an expert eye
for detail and precision. Special highlights will include
paintings of the "Falls of Niagara," "The Declaration of
Independence," "The Residence of David Twining" and one of the
"Peaceable Kingdoms" as well as the Henry Vanhorn signboard, one
of Hicks' earliest ornamental works.
Hicks, who is best known for his "Peaceable Kingdom" series of
paintings depicting animals living together in peace based on the
moral and religious values expressed in the Isaiah prophecy,
began his career as a sign painter and apprenticed with coach
makers near Newtown, Penn., from 1793 to 1800 when he was between
the ages of 13 and 20.
By 1811, he set up shop in Newtown. Though noted in public
records as a Quaker minister, he continued his work as a sign
painter throughout his life. In 1836, he took on his younger
cousin, Thomas Hicks, as an apprentice. Thomas later became an
artist in his own right and, in fact, painted an evocative
likeness of his cousin Edward that is on display in "."
Carolyn J. Weekley, Juli Grainger director of museums for
Colonial Williamsburg and curator of the exhibition, also author
of "The Kingdoms of Edward Hicks," is considered to be the most
authoritative and comprehensive examination of this remarkable
man.
"In his dual roles in life as a Quaker minister and a painter,
Hicks taught moral and religious values based on the Isaiah
prophecy of peaceful coexistence," said Weekley. "He attempted to
use his art, even the most decorative and ornamental objects, in
a way that embraced universal concerns."
Located on South England Street across the Williamsburg Lodge,
the museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is
included in any Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket or by
separate one-day or annual museums ticket. For information,
757-220-7698.
