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Baptism of Pocahontas

About this painting

John Gadsby Chapman, Baptism of Pocahontas. Commissioned 1837; placed 1840. Capitol Rotunda, Washington, D.C.

Date created
1837–1840
License
This work is believed to be in the public domain. Users are advised to make their own copyright assessment and to understand their rights to fair use.
Source
Original image housed by U.S. Capitol Complex

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Painting of Pocahontas kneeling before a priest at a baptismal font in a church, surrounded by American Indians and European Americans.

Size: 1024×677

John Gadsby Chapman’s painting, commissioned in 1837, depicts Pocahontas’ baptism in Jamestown, Virginia, around 1613 or 1614. In the painting, Pocahontas (soon to be baptized Rebecca) wears a white dress and kneels before a baptismal font in a church. Anglican minister Alexander Whiteaker stands facing her, looking upward, with his left hand held up. Pocahontas is surrounded by other American Indians and colonists. John Rolfe, who would marry Pocahontas after her baptism, stands behind her, wearing burgundy. Pocahontas’ brother, Nantequaus, is turning away from the baptism.