Embarkation of the Pilgrims by Robert W. Weir Art Print

An archival premium Quality Art Print of the Embarkation of the Pilgrims by Robert W. Weir for sale by Brandywine General Store. This artwork was completed in July 1843 and is the artist's most famous painting. The size is very large measuring 12 foot by 18 foot and is now in the Rotunda in the United States Capitol Building. This historic scene portrays the Pilgrims on the deck of the ship Speedwell on July 22, 1620 before they departed from Delfs Haven, Holland for their dangerous voyage to North America where they were sailing to escape religious persecution in the old World. The Pilgrims first sailed to Southampton, England to join the Mayflower, which was also making the voyage to the Americas. After leaks forced the Speedwell to make additional stops in Dartmouth and then Plymouth, the passengers all boarded the Mayflower for the long voyage. Five months later the Pilgrims settled the Plymouth Colony in present day Massachusetts. The group appears solemn because of this dangerous journey they are about to undertake as they pray for divine protection through their voyage. The words God with us appear on the sail in the upper left corner. The figures at the center of the composition are William Brewster, holding the Bible: Governor Carver who is kneeling with head bowed and hat in hand and Pastor John Robinson with extended arms looking heavenward. The armor, helmet and musket in the foreground represent the tools that the Pilgrims will use for protection in the new and unfamiliar lands. In the background on the right are the city and people the Pilgrims leave behind and on the left a rainbow represents the hope and promise of what lies ahead. This large canvas was hung in the US Capitol building in December of 1843. In 1857 Weir painted a smaller version of this painting which has been used on the reverse of the 50.00 bank note and the 10,000.00 Federal Reserve Note, which is the largest denomination ever issued to the general public. Famous people art print #54