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.

Surrender of General Burgoyne

John Trumbull painted this wonderful work of art in 1821, and it was placed in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in 1826. 

This painting is one of four works of art Trumbull has in the Rotunda.  He planned this painting as am outdoor scene to contrast with  the Signing of the Declaration of Independence which hangs next to it.  Trumbull is an amazing artist considering a childhood accident left him blind in one eye.

Trumbull served in the Patriot army during the American Revolution.   While in Boston he was able to make sketches that proved to be useful to the Patriots of the British works.  He was also a personal aide to Washington and General Gates.

The painting is a portrayal of the British surrender following the Battle of Saratoga on October 17, 1777.

From left to right we see American Captain Seymour of Connecticut, American Colonel Scammel of New Hampshire (in blue), British Major General William Phillips (in red), British Lieutenant General John Burgoyne (in red), American Major General Horatio Gates (in blue), American Colonel Daniel Morgan (in white).

The Battle of Saratoga was a major turning point during the American Revolution.   England was unable to achieve its goal of dividing New England from the rest of the colonies and France was finally persuaded to help the Patriots.

Take a close look at the painting.   General Burgoyne is ready to hand his sword over to General Gates – and act of submission.    Gates, in an effort to show Burgoyne respect refuses to take the sword and offers him refreshment in his tent.

The painting is one that shows peace rather than hostility.

A smaller version of this painting hangs in the collection at the Yale University Art Gallery.

Gilbert Stuart

As far as portraits of American presidents, Gilbert Stuart was “da man“!


During his career as an artist he painted portraits of the first six presidents. He was unique in that he worked without sketches and began his work directly on the canvas. President John Adams even commented sitting for Stuart was enjoyable since he allowed his subject to move around during the painting process.

Stuart actually began his career at the age of 12 by painting Dr. Hunter’s Spaniels seen below. The painting is exhibited at Hunter House in Newport, Rhode Island.

Every American touches a bit of Stuart’s art every time they use a dollar bill. The Athenaeum or unfinished portrait of George Washington, seen below, is the image that graces the one dollar bill. Over 130 reproductions were painted by Stuart and his daughters though the original was never completed.

Another Stuart portrait became famous during the War of 1812. The Landsdowne Portrait, seen below, hangs in the East Room of the White House. Along with Paul Jennings, a Madison family slave, Dolly Madison saved the painting of Washington from being destroyed when the British burned the White House in August, 1814.

You can find out more about Gilbert Stuart at his museum page