The Baptism of Pocahontas

This painting by John Gadsby Chapman was painted in 1839 and hangs in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda.   More than likely Chapman used Pocahontas as his subject because he had already used her as a subject in 1836.

The year was 1613 or 1614 and Pocahontas, the daughter of Algonkian chief Powhatan was baptized  and given the Anglican name Rebecca.

The painting marks two significant events……it might possibly a depiction of the earliest or least one of the earliest conversion to Christianity and along with Pocahontas’ marriage to John Rolfe created a time of peace between the colonists and the tribes of the Tidewater region.

Look behind Pocahontas……John Rolfe is standing behind her.   Notice the various faces in the groupings.

The painting was installed in the Rotunda in 1840 which might seem strange since the Indian Removals were underway during that period, but this website explains the painting highlights the lofty intentions of the Jamestown settlers and condemns the obstinacy of those who can be understood as ignoble savages.  It propagates the idea of the  the noble savage in Pocahontas, one who is said repeatedly in the literature of the 19^th century to have embodied Christian virtues even before she was converted.  The painting also appears to make a case for the harsh treatment of antagonistic, unassimilated Indians.  The policy of “removal” had begun seven years earlier, and it was apparent at the time Chapman’s work appeared that the entire continent would soon be invaded by ambitious American settlers.

The painting appeared on the reverse of the First Charter $20 National Bank notes in 1863 and 1875.

Chapman created the painting in the loft of a barn on G Street in Washington D.C. and endured several tragedies while the work was ongoing.   His son died in 1838 and his daughter only survived ten days after being born premature.   His financial situation was terrible and was plagued by several debts.    He worked on the painting quickly so he could be paid, however, Chapman noted on his daybook that the fee hardly covered his expenses.