Irene Smith

John Goodman’s Mayflower dogs

T Etching

In September 1620, pilgrim John Goodman, a 25-year old Mayflower passenger, brought his Mastiff and English Spring Spaniel along for the voyage. With a group of religious separatists, he boarded the Mayflower and began a 66 day trip from England to the New World. Goodman’s dogs became essential members of the settlement, accompanying their owner on hunts and providing protection. Goodman did not survive that first winter in New World, but his dogs were cared for by the remaining pilgrims. The story of Goodman’s dogs captured my imagination and motivated me to create my work.