The Embarkation of the Pilgrims, by Robert W. Weir, was commissioned and hung in 1843. Like the Baptism of Pocahontas by John Chapman, the time frame around the painting of this scene was while America was experiencing the Second Great Awakening (Keene, Cornell and O'Donnell 2013, 284). Much emphasis was placed on religion during this time to address the negative aspects and moral impurity that had infected society. As such, Weir’s painting is highly religious in theme and provides insight to America’s destiny (Unknown 2009). At the center of the painting, the Bible is accentuated with light with “Jesus Christ” being the most prominent words (Unknown 2009). As the Pilgrims bow in prayer, the Biblical sign of hope, the rainbow on the left,
