Sargent, Henry. “To the Pilgrim Society of Plymouth this Plate of the Landing of the Pilgrims is Respectfully Dedicated”

Henry Sargent (1770-1845).  “To the Pilgrim Society of Plymouth this Plate of the Landing of the Pilgrims is Respectfully Dedicated…”   Alternate title:  “Landing of the Fathers.” 

Boston: E. Hobart, 1850.  15 7/8 x 20 ½ (image).  Engraving by Elijah Hobart.  Some scattered spotting in margins and minor scuffing in title.  Print has been cleaned.  Else, very good condition.  Rare.  A/A

This fictitious scene shows Native American chief Samoset greeting the Pilgrims as they landed. However, it woujld be three months before there would be any contact between the two communities.  Initially painted in 1815, Sargent painted another version between 1818-1822 due to the first painting being damaged.  The second painting was lent to the Pilgrim Hall Museum in 1824 and 11 years later Sargent donated the painting to the Pilgrim Society where it can be viewed today after a 2015 restoration.

Just below the image the various individuals in the print are identified along with the town seal of Plymouth:  Allerton & wife - Elder Brewster - F. Billington-- William White & child - Richard Warren - John Turner - Gov. Bradford - John Alden - Gov. Carver & family - Miles Standish - Samoset - John Howland - Wife of Standish - Steph. Hopkins, wife & child - Gov. Winslow - F. Tilley - Dr. Fuller - Mrs. Winslow.