Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
James Eric Francis Sr. (Penobscot) is a multi-media artist, a historian, and the Director of Cultural and Historic Preservation for the Penobscot Nation. His deep knowledge of Maine history, Penobscot culture, and Indigenous landscapes informs much of his creative output.
In 1755, in an attempt to clear the region for English-speaking settlements, Massachusetts lieutenant governor Spencer Phips issued proclamations that offered bounties for killing Native people. This proclamation required “his Majesty’s subjects of the province to embrace all opportunities of pursuing, captivating, killing, and destroying all and every” Penobscot citizens. Scalps were used as proof of the genocidal killings, with bounties ranging from £20 to £50 for men, women, and children of any age. By June 1756, the Massachusetts assembly voted to raise the bounty to £300 per person—equal to about $60,000 in 2020.
Describing the painting, Francis noted that, "The artwork urges the citizens of Maine to join hands with the Indigenous population of Maine and walk eternally into the future and move beyond the deadly acts of the past. The use of language, color, and symbolism helps to affirm our resilience as Penobscot people historically, presently, and into the future."
Francis meticulously painted a recreation the 1755 Phips Proclamation for the background of this monumental five by four foot work, with the Penobscot word for "We Walk On; Eternally" painted over the proclamation in red.
About This Item
- Title: "We Walk On; Eternally" by James Eric Francis Sr., Indian Island, 2020
- Creator: James Eric Francis
- Creation Date: 2020
- Subject Date: 2020
-
Locations:
- Indian Island, Penobscot County, ME
- Old Town, Penobscot County, ME
- Media: Acrylic on canvas
- Dimensions: 152.4 cm x 121.9 cm x 5.1 cm
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Artists--Maine
- Francis, James Eric
- Governors--Massachusetts
- Indians of North America--Maine--Penobscots
- Indians of North America--Wars--1775-1783
- Manuscripts
- Penobscot art
- Penobscot Indians
- Penobscot Indians--Government relations
- Penobscot Indians--History.
- Penobscot Tribe
- Treaties
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
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