 1.
EDWARD WINSLOWThis oil on canvas was painted by anonymous artist who was
of the Robert Walker school. It was painted in London in 1651. This is the only
known portrait of a Pilgrim painted from life. Here Winslow is shown wearing black &
white, which is what people used to think the Pilgrims always wore. When Winslow was
painted in 1651, black was a very fashionable and expensive color. In 1620 when the
Pilgrims came to America colors were fashionable.
Edward Winslow(1595-1655) was a Mayflower passenger who began his career as a leader of
the Plymouth colonists at age 25. He served as ambassador to the Wampanoag, wrote
several books about Plymouth Colony, and served three terms as Governor. He made many
trips to England. In 1624 he brought the first cattle to America. In 1646 he returned to
England and was asked to stay by the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell. Edward Winslow and
others were commissioned to retrieve English ships in the West Indies that had been
captured by the Dutch. Winslow died on the journey and was buried at sea.
 2.
THE FIRST THANKSGIVING AT PLYMOUTH
Painted by Jennie A. Brownscombe (1850-1936) in Honesdale, PA. or New York in 1914. Her
popular interpretation of the first Thanksgiving became a symbol of the holiday for many
Americans. It reached a wide audience and influenced the national understanding when it
was printed in Life Magazine. Brownscombe clearly conveys the peaceful meeting of the
English settlers and the native Americans.
Painting during the "Colonial Revival Period", Brownscombe chose some details
that are inconsistent with history (such as the log cabin and the Sioux Indian headdress).
The entire image, however, with its elements of religious solemnity, feasting and
community has strong emotional appeal even today and shows a Thanksgiving with which early
20th century Americans would feel comfortable.
 3.
THE MAYFLOWER ON HER ARRIVAL IN PLYMOUTH HARBOR
This Oil on Canvas was painted by William Formsby Halsall (1841-1919) in 1882 in
Massachusetts. The Mayflower is shown at dawn after her landing at Plymouth Harbor, and is
portrayed as a symbol of the beginning of a new era.
 4. THE LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS
American Artist, Henry Sargent (1770-1845) painted
this 13 by 16 foot oil on canvas in Boston between 1818-1823. Each figure was identified
by the artist. The central figures are Governor John Carver and his wife Katherine,
flanked by William Bradford (at left) and Myles Standish (at right). Samoset is in the
foreground.
The exhibition of Sargent's famous painting was a highlight of the celebration at the
dedication of Pilgrim Hall in 1824. Newspaper accounts praised the historical work
lavishly, comparing the grandeur of Sargent's concept and execution with the grandeur of
the Pilgrims venture. Sargent gave the painting to the museum in 1834.
 5. ELIZABETH PADDY WENSLEY
This oil on canvas was painted by an anonymous Boston Artist between 1670-1680.
Elizabeth Paddy Wensley was born in Plymouth and settled in Boston after her marriage to
merchant John Wensley.
The portrait presents her in the stylish dress of the 1670s. The fan and the flowers
are traditional symbols of femininity. The anonymous artist skillfully shows his subjects
refinement, elegant manner and beauty. Portraits from this era are rare. Elizabeth Paddy
Wensley's portrait is one of the finest.
 All material and photographs on this page are courtesy of The
Pilgrim Society. These materials are copyrighted and cannot be copied or duplicated
without permission of The Pilgrim Society. To visit the Pilgrim Hall Museum web site at
www.pilgrimhall.org please click here
|
