Benjamin West was an American artist with an impressive reputation in Europe. Born in colonial Pennsylvania during 1738, he was familiar with the harshest aspects of life in the New World, such as the weather, wilderness, and war. West showed a talent for painting early in life. After studying and practicing his talent in Pennsylvania and New York, he became the first American born painter to study in Italy.
American History Through Art
West painted many works including the historical oil on canvas, the Death of Wolfe. The detailed painting shows the fallen general Wolfe bravely involved in the battle scene. West captured in this painting and others, the battle-worn landscape of America and the contrast between English colonists and native cultures. Historical paintings are the only visuals of interactions between the American Indians, colonists, and the various military at that time.
West depicted in his 1783 painting, Treaty of Paris, the event that ended the revolutionary war and recognized America. This painting was left incomplete, as a testament to the tension between America and England surrounding the time of the Revolutionary War. The unfinished work shows a confidant America, without the consent of England. West immortalized some of the events that occurred during the birth of America, securing his place in the world’s respect with his artwork, heritage, and service.
American Artist in England
Commissioned by King George III and disconnected from his homeland, West served as historical painter to the English court. His talent was great and his influence toward the realist movement was elevated by his position as the second president and a founder of the Royal Academy art school in London, England. American ideals and traditions rippled across the art world as influential American artists studied at the Academy under West and went on to paint and create history.
West documented some of the events he was exposed to while abroad. In the oil painting, Cromwell Dissolving the Long Parliament, West captured like a photo the people and styles; frozen in time for viewers. West moved toward portraits later in his career. His portraits detail the upper class everyday and provide accurate representations of life in that era.
The National Gallery in London England
West’s final contribution to his calling was the founding of the National Gallery, a prestigious art museum in London, England. Today the museum hosts numerous original and valuable works of art. He died in 1820, successful and accomplished. With his paintings, teaching and historical approach, Benjamin West contributed to the American art experience.
sources:
Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, Volume 25. New York: Funk & Wagnalls, n.d. 1981.
Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner's Art Through The Ages, Thirteenth Edition, Volume 2. Bostom, MA: Thomson Wadswoth, 2009.
Angela Grogan-Henehan - Angela Grogan-Henehan
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