Focus on this artwork and explore the History.
Boughton was sometimes known as the "Painter of New England Puritanism". As with some of his other works, Pilgrims took inspiration from a literary source: William Henry Bartlett’s 1853 history, The Pilgrim Fathers. It was exhibited at the London Royal Academy in 1867, receiving a warm reception, and at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. It was purchased in 1868 by Robert L. Stuart.
The painting was a favorite of a young Vincent van Gogh when in London in 1873.
New England Philadelphia William Henry Bartlett London Royal Academy Robert L. Stuart Pilgrim Fathers Centennial Exposition Vincent van Gogh