Benjamin West

House that Benjamin West was born in

Agrippina Landing at Brundisium with the Ashes of Germanicus by Benjamin West

Benjamin West, English (born America) - Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky - Google Art Project

James Smith - Benjamin West - Google Art Project

Benjamin West by Gilbert Stuart 1783-84

Benjamin West (October 10, 1738 – March 11, 1820) was an Anglo-American painter of historical scenes around and after the time of the American Revolution and the Seven Years' War. He was the second president of the Royal Academy in London, serving from 1792 until his death. West was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin and his works were inspired by the ideals of the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason, science, and humanism.

Early Life

Benjamin West was born in Springfield, Pennsylvania, to a family of innkeepers. From a young age, West showed a remarkable talent for drawing. His early education in art was minimal, and he was largely self-taught, drawing inspiration from the Native Americans, whose culture and aesthetics influenced some of his early works. In 1756, West traveled to Italy, where he studied the works of the Renaissance masters, further honing his skills and developing his style.

Career

Upon his return to America in 1759, West began to gain recognition for his portraits. However, it was his move to London in 1763 that marked the beginning of his most productive and successful period. In London, West quickly established himself as a leading painter of historical and religious subjects. His painting The Death of General Wolfe (1770), which depicted the British victory at the Battle of Quebec, was groundbreaking in its use of contemporary dress rather than classical clothing for its figures, challenging the conventions of historical painting.

West's success continued to grow, and in 1792 he succeeded Sir Joshua Reynolds as the president of the Royal Academy. Under his leadership, the Academy became an important institution for the development of young British artists. West also became historical painter to King George III and was instrumental in the establishment of the National Gallery in London.

Legacy

Benjamin West's influence on the development of art in the 18th century was significant. He played a key role in the transition from Rococo to Neoclassicism and was a pioneer in the use of modern dress in historical paintings. His works inspired a generation of American and British artists, including John Singleton Copley, Gilbert Stuart, and Charles Willson Peale. West's commitment to the ideals of the Enlightenment and his belief in the moral power of art contributed to the shaping of the cultural and artistic landscape of his time.

Selected Works

• The Death of General Wolfe (1770)
• Penn's Treaty with the Indians (1771-72)
• The Battle of La Hogue (1778)
• Death on a Pale Horse (1796)

Death and Honors

Benjamin West died on March 11, 1820, in London. His contributions to art were widely recognized during his lifetime, and his legacy has endured. He was buried in St Paul's Cathedral, an honor that underscores the high esteem in which he was held.