Portrait of a Peacemaker

John Washington’s working drawing in preparation for his painting of a famous episode in Roger Conant’s life 

I’ve always loved the idea of America as a refuge for the persecuted peoples of the Old World, a place where 18^th century ideals of liberty, equality and fraternity would flourish, and where justice for all was seen as fundamental to society.

So for all admirers of America and what that great country should represent for the world the current news from across the Atlantic is understandably distressing.

I’d like to think that celebrating the life of Roger Conant - a peacemaker from America’s history – may be seen as an antidote to the bad news.

And now, thanks to Budleigh artist John Washington, our East Budleigh-based Conant 400 Group has a wonderful project.

It’s the painting of a famous episode of 1625 in the life of this Massachusetts pioneer who was celebrated for his meticulous honesty, his attitude of tolerance and conciliation, and what has been described as his character of strict integrity and devotion to principle.

This commemorative plaque recording the episode was placed at Tablet Rock in Stage Fort Park. It bears these words: ‘Here in 1625 Gov. Roger Conant by wise diplomacy averted bloodshed between contending factions one led by Myles Standish of Plymouth the other by Capt Hewes. A notable example of arbitration in the beginnings of New England. Placed by the Citizens of Gloucester 1907.’  

John has made the notes below to accompany the drawing:

1. The location is based on current photographic reference of Cape Ann - with today’s lighthouse obviously removed.

2. Conant takes centre stage with a non-aggressive stance, holding a book, not a weapon, and his whole demeanour with an open hand is that of peacemaker.

3. Myles Standish, the diminutive military representative of the Plymouth Pilgrims, known by one of his enemies as ‘Captain Shrimp’, takes an arrogant and aggressive stance against anyone who gets in his way but may be a bit confused by being addressed by an authoritative peacemaker. His soldiers are behind him ready for action if required.

4. The angry and aggressive fishermen and sailors on the left are protecting themselves behind hogshead barrels as historically recorded.

5. In front of them, involved in the negotiations is Capt Hewes representing West Country merchants who had sent the fishermen and sailors intending to take over the bankrupt Dorchester Company’s assets.   

6. The ship at anchor is similar to the Mayflower and could be the Ann although there is no imagery to record what class of ship she was (any information might be helpful).

7. In the background, away from the conflict is a native American who may have been the guide for the meeting. He is not involved and lost in his own thoughts. 

John would love to hear people’s reactions to his drawing. ‘One thing that would be helpful for me is to learn what class of ship the Ann was,’ he says. You may be a member of the Conant 400 Facebook group, a descendant of Roger Conant or just interested in New England’s history. Helpful contributions and suggestions would be most welcome. 

Continued at 

https://budleighpastandpresent.blogspot.com/2020/06/painting-from-history-two-artists-at.html

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