Benjamin West, born in 1738, was an American-born historical painter. Benjamin West is best known as the first American artist to achieve international fame by making his mark in historical painting. He was one of the most prominent people of American Colonial Art.
West showed considerable talent with the paintbrush from an early age, so he was sent to Philadelphia in 1756 to pursue an education in painting. By 1758 he was a successful portrait artist in New York City, and two years later he set sail for Italy, drawn to the country by the rapid development of Neoclassicism.
West traveled around Italy for a few years before heading for London in 1763, where he would stay for the remainder of his life. Here he received his first commission for a history painting, which eventually brought him to the attention of King George III.
This relationship led to the West receiving financial support from the King. He became the official painter for the Royal Family, which meant he could give up portrait painting as a means of supporting himself and instead focus on historical painting.
This allowed West the freedom to paint one of his most famous, and at the time, controversial, pieces. The Death Of General Wolfe strayed from the norms of the time by cloaking his subjects in modern dress, as opposed to the classical antique outfits that were the norm. The fact that he blended a classic composition with the contemporary dress was controversial at the time and divided art critics.
Ultimately, however, it was a great success and it was this piece that cemented the artist’s reputation. It also paved the way for other artists to clad their subjects in contemporary garb and ultimately kickstarted a revolution in historical painting.
This is Benjamin West’s legacy. He revolutionized historical painting and so inspired a generation of American artists that he became known as the Father of American Painting.
1. Sarah Ursula Rose
‘Sarah Ursula Rose’ was created in the year 1756 by Benjamin West, This portrait was painted in 1756 when the subject was twelve years old.
2. The Death Of Socrates
‘The Death of Socrates’ was created in 1756 by Benjamin West in Neoclassicism style.
3. Self-Portrait
Benjamin West painted his self-portrait in 1758 in rococo style.
4. General Johnson.
‘General Johnson’ was created in 1768 by Benjamin West in Rococo style showing General Johnson Saving a Wounded French Officer.
5. Know Thy Self
‘Know Thy Self’ was created in 1768 by Benjamin West in Neoclassicism style.
6. Charles Wilson Peale
‘Charles Wilson Peale’ was created in 1769 by Benjamin West in Rococo style.
7. Portrait of Henry Middleton
‘Portrait of Henry Middleton’ was created in 1771 by Benjamin West in Rococo style.
8. The Death Of General Wolfe
‘The Death of General Wolfe’ is a 1770 painting by Anglo-American artist Benjamin West.