St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Fraktur Painting by Ken Scott

This fraktur painting depicts the event that occurred on February 14th, 1774 in a wooded glen on the edge of the American frontier.

That night, The family of Jacob and Hannah Barnes was killed and their cabin burned during an attack by marauding Indians.

Jacob & Hannah are drawn as they were placed in their coffins by neighbors. The infant, Sarah is shown in the arms of her mother, Hannah, and in the same coffin. Rachel, the older sister, and her two brothers, Thomas & Isaac Isaac are in the smaller coffins shown nearby. Angels are trumpeting their heavenly assent.

Near the large blue  crescent moon, Jacob is shown firing his weapon at the intruders. On the right panel the attackers are shown firing on the settlers as the cabin goes up in flames. 

The painting also includes the following eulogy placed within the  death’s head angle mortise:

Here lies interrd the bodies of

Jacob Barnes Likewise his Beloved

Wife, Hannah. 4 Children. Sarah, the

infant. Daughter Rachel Along with

two Sons Thomas & Isaac.

All departed life February 14th, 1774.

Under this Stone confind doth lie

the Subjects of Death’s tyranny. The

father & Mother who in this close

tomb – sleep with the offspring of their 

loins. Whereby we See deaths cruelty in

Cutting both fruit & tree.Yet, all this

Malice will prove Vain for tree and

fruit Shall Spring again.

Ink & watercolor on old book covers by Ken Scott.

Copy with photos of painting by Ken Scott and Jan Riser.