85
THE GREEN BAG
December 23, 1783, figure that is break to the national ing a rod. The Congress then in logical followers of session at Ann a proclamation of apolis. For the peace, Prosperity other, he has gone with the horn of back to the begin plenty, and Com nings of Maryland merce, are pictured history, and. has to the right of represented the the commander-inEdict of Toleration chief of the army. promulgated by In one of the side the Maryland col panels, officers of onists in 1649. In the infantry, artil the Washington Co, lery, and cavalry rqob. CONFUCIUS series, the color-* J"h'n L"a Fa^' are depicted pre By John La Farge ing is fresh, vivid, senting arms; and and unrestrained. The figures stand out in the other are a magistrate in wig and boldly from the background, with almost gown, with representatives of the allied startling vividness, an effect for which the forces. The symbolism of the Edict of unrelieved flatness of the wall surface is Toleration is best explained in Mr. Blashlargely responsible. In the Edict the color field's own words read at the unveiling ing is much richer. It is quiet, subdued of the painting : ' ' What I intended to sug and restful. The _____ gest was simply Washington series Lord Baltimore is dramatic, but commending his the Edict makes a people to Wisdom, stronger and more Justice, and Mercy. direct appeal artis Wisdom holds out tically. the olive branch of peace to the toler As to the signifi ant. Behind Lord cance of the pic Baltimore, a Cath tures, both subjects have been treated olic priest and a Protestant pastor symbolically rather than historically. hold between them In the central panel the Edict of Toler ation. A negress of the Washington and an Indian series, Washington squaw crouch be is represented as Copyright, rqob, LYCURGUS placing his commis John La Farge hind Baltimore, By John La Farge and lay hold of sion at the feet of an enthroned figure of Columbia. The his mantle of gold and black (the colors of female figure opposite, garbed in the col the Commonwealth). To right and left and in the side panels are other figures of colo ors of the state, typifies the Common wealth of Maryland. War, sheathing her nists introduced simply to fill out the compo sword, is seen back of this figure, and Resist sition decoratively. At the side of Justice ance to Oppression is symbolized by the a boy holds a shield with the date 1649, the
