![John Gadsby Chapman - The Baptism of Pocahontas [1840] by Gandalf's Gallery](http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/12742107293_c390d2c9ff.jpg)
John Gadsby Chapman (Alexandria, Virginia, December 3, 1808 - Rome, November 28, 1889) was an American artist. By 1834, Chapman had moved to New York City and become a member of the National Academy of Design, and found work as an illustrator. In New York, Chapman embarked on a series of historic paintings, such as Landing at Jamestown and the Crowning of Powhatan. The success of these paintings helped Chapman land a commission from the United States Congress in February 1837 to paint a historical scene for the rotunda of the Capitol building. For this work, Chapman received a total payment of $10,000. On November 30th, 1840, The Baptism of Pocahontas was formally unveiled in the Capitol Rotunda.
[United States Capitol Rotunda, Washington - Oil on canvas, 365.76 x 548.64 cm]