Edward
Hicks

Edward Hicks was born in his grandfather's mansion near Attleboro (now Langhorne; Attleboro, now Langhorne), Pennsylvania, USA. His life began in luxury. His parents were adherents of Anglicanism. He was 18 months old when his mother died. Raised him as her own son Matron Elizabeth twining (Matron Elizabeth Twining), a close friend of his mother. She introduced him to the religious views of the Quakers, had a huge impact on his life.

At the age of 13 years, he was sent to be apprenticed to the coach-masters, William and Henry Tomlison (William and Henry Tomlison). They he stayed for 7 years. The current situation forced him to dream of a better life. He dreamed of a simple, decent life and opportunities to earn their own labor. He wanted to decide what to do. At some point he came to the conclusion that he will be able to achieve becoming an artist. 3 years he was thinking about his life and decided to devote himself to art. His religious views strongly influenced his reflections on life and art. In 1803 he married Sarah Quakers Marstal (Sarah Worstall).

At that time he was engaged in painting the coaches in Milford (Milford). Of money earned was enough to support the family. In 1812 his congregation recorded him as Minister (a clergyman of the Quakers). In 1813 he began traveling at Philadelphia (Philadelphia) as the preacher. Travel costs and maintenance of a growing family caused financial problems. Hicks decided to expand the scope of its activities and to engage in the painting of houses and signboards of taverns. In this business, he could make good money, but it greatly upset the Quaker community, since they have approved only minimal decoration. During this period the Quaker community of Pennsylvania is greatly increased by the arrival of new settlers. The fast growing community began to break up into sects, whose representatives had different views on the issues of righteous living. The difference in views led to conflict. Assessing the situation, Hicks decided to abandon the role of the preacher. He decided to take up farming, but only worsened his financial situation. He had no experience either in the cultivation of land, in farming. In 1816, the wife of Hicks waited 5 child. The financial question was soon found: a close friend of the artist, John Comly (Comly John), relatives persuaded Hicks to discuss the return to work of an artist. Edward began to draw on the canvas.

This friendly advice saved Hicks from financial problems. Quaker-preacher became a Quaker artist. Many Quakers are opposed to wealth or the possession of a large number of objects or materials. Hicks could not combine the work of the pastor with the work of the artist. He devoted his life to painting and used the canvas to Express their beliefs.

Edward Hicks died on 23 August 1849, in Newtown (Newtown).