Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

The Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers in America, A.D. 1620
1868
Charles Lucy (1814-1873)
England: London
Oil on Canvas
frame: 63-1/2"h x 87-1/2"w x 2"d; stretcher: 59-1/4"h x 83-1/2"w x 1"d
Gift of J. Robert Merrill
79.77.1

Scene shows group of people in 17th century dress standing on plateau near ocean; in background, ship "Mayflower", coastline, and dark clouds; signed 1.1. "C. Lucy 1868 London"; on strainer in black paint: "THE PROPERTY OF CAPTN E MACKIRDY ABBEY HOUSE MALMESBURY; last word is crossed out in white chalk and note near it is: "TOWN HALL"; partial paper label, printed, filled in with typewriting: "Exhibited at Royal Acad/ The Landing of the Pr [tear]/ Puritians, or Pilgrims/ Coast of America A. B./ [in pencil] 58 1/4 x 86".

Since the late 1700s, artists have put their versions of American history on canvas. When Charles Lucy painted this work, many people were intrigued by the story of the Pilgrims' founding of a community where they could practice their religion freely. The artist portrayed the settlers as grateful but exhausted. By clearing depicting their feelings while emphasizing the family connections among the group, Lucy helped his audience understand the Pilgrims' landing in not only historical but also emotional terms. Charles Lucy first painted this work in a large size for exhibition in the 1840s. It was a follow-up to his popular prize-winning painting of the Pilgrims leaving for America. Two decades later, he painted this smaller version of the Pilgrims’ arrival, likely at the request of a patron. Inviting his audience to imagine the scene in both emotional and historical terms, Lucy portrays the settlers as interconnected families arriving at their destination both grateful and exhausted.