John Gadsby Chapman was commissioned to paint the Baptism of Pocahontas in 1837. Upon completion, the painting was hung in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building in November 1840. The Baptism of Pocahontas is set in 1613 or 1614 in the Jamestown, Virginian colony. Pocahontas was believed to be the first Native American converted to Christianity. The painting depicts the baptism of Pocahontas, a significant event in the later established peaceful relations between the colonist and Indians. The painting is very detailed. Pocahontas and the minister are given the most prominent position, with Pocahontas’ future husband, John Rolfe, standing next to her. The connection between content and context is very clear and Chapman is very successful
