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Alexander Whitaker

(Whitaker, Alexander, 1585-1617)

John Gadsby Chapman depicts Pocahontas, wearing white, being baptized Rebecca by Anglican minister Alexander Whiteaker in Jamestown, Virginia; this event is believed to have taken place in 1613 or 1614. She kneels, surrounded by family members and colonists. Her brother Nantequaus turns away from the ceremony. The baptism took place before her marriage to Englishman John Rolfe, who stands behind her. Their union is said to be the first recorded marriage between a European and a Native American. The scene symbolizes the belief of Americans at the time that Native Americans should accept Christianity and other European ways.
Chapman (1808-1889), born in Alexandria, Virginia, studied art in Italy and became known for his portrait and historical paintings and his rich use of color.

The dimensions of this oil painting on canvas are 365.76 cm by 548.64 cm (144.00 in by 216.00 in).

Alexander Whitaker (1585–1616) was an English Anglican theologian who settled in North America in Virginia Colony in 1611 and established two churches near the Jamestown colony. He was also known as "The Apostle of Virginia" by contemporaries. (From Wikipedia)

More about Alexander Whitaker:

Associated author:

Hamor, Ralph, -1626

Books by Alexander Whitaker:

Whitaker, Alexander, 1585-1617, contrib.: A True Discourse of the Present Estate of Virginia, and the Successe of the Affaires There Till the 18 of June, 1614 (reprint of 1615 edition), by Ralph Hamor, also contrib. by Thomas Dale and John Rolfe (HTML and page images at LOC)

Additional books by Alexander Whitaker in the extended shelves:

Whitaker, Alexander, 1585-1617: Good nevves from Virginia Sent to the Counsell and Company of Virginia, resident in England. From Alexander Whitaker, the minister of Henrico in Virginia. Wherein also is a narration of the present state of that countrey, and our colonies there. Perused and published by direction from that Counsell. And a preface prefixed of some matters touching that plantation, very requisite to be made knowne. (At London : Imprinted by Felix Kyngston for William Welby, and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls Church-yard at the signe of the Swanne, 1613), also by William Crashaw, Virginia Company of London, and Counseil for Virginia (England and Wales) (HTML at EEBO TCP)
Whitaker, Alexander, 1585-1617: A true discourse of the present estate of Virginia, and the successe of the affaires there till the 18 of Iune 1614. Together with a relation of the seuerall English townes and fortes, the assured hopes of that countrie and the peace concluded with the Indians. The christening of Powhatans daughter and her marriage with an English-man. (J. Munsell, 1860), also by Ralph Hamor, John Rolfe, and Thomas Dale (page images at HathiTrust)
Whitaker, Alexander, 1585-1617: A trve discovrse of the present estate of Virginia, and the successe of the affaires there till the 18 of Iune. 1614. (Printed by Iohn Beale for W. Welby, 1615), also by Ralph Hamor, John Rolfe, and Thomas Dale (page images at HathiTrust)

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