Painter and engraver John Ritto Penniman was no ordinary artist; his brush dipped into many different styles and methods throughout his life. From a young age he was determined to become a high-level artist, dedicating himself to the easel and more. Though he began his career by painting portraits and later moved toward romantic landscapes, his creativity extended beyond his easel as he also produced murals and book illustrations.

He was active in the Boston community, including teaching at Boston's first art academy and painting for the Freemasons. He designed and painted furniture, including clock faces, with a particular focus on alternating patterns of light and dark. His networking garnered him connections with architects, government, and fellow painters and designers.

Designing the Official Boston Seal

Not the least of Penniman's many achievements was this design of the official seal of Boston. Featuring the Boston skyline including the State House, clouds, and harbor, he rendered the city's details beautifully. It is enclosed within the Latin for the Bible verse "God be with us as He was with our fathers" above and "City-Status Granted by the Authority of the State in 1822" below. He designed the seal with the Boston revolutionary army in mind, as it sports the blue and white of their uniforms. 

*The Official Seal of Boston

There's certainly a reason Penniman is the most famous flag painter of New England, and it's easy to see why. He is an inspiration to many artists across the country for his unflagging determination to improve his craft, which blossomed into an extraordinary talent. If you'd like to design a custom flag or banner of your own contact Accent Banner today for design tips or to request a free quote.