West, Benjamin

Benjamin (1738-1820), a noted American painter. He was a Quaker boy of Pennsylvania. He was instructed by a Philadephia artist and set up a studio for himself in that city. He went to London in 1763. He visited the famous galleries of Rome, Florence, and Venice. George III gave him orders for a number of pictures and in 1772 employed him as historical painter to the king. In 1790 West was appointed surveyor of the royal gallery. West's most celebrated painting is the Death of General Wolfe. In this great scene he had the courage to depart from long established custom. He dressed his figures in their usual clothing, instead of draping them with classical robes as had been the rule for centuries. The picture made a great hit. An engraving by a celebrated artist by the name of Woollett had a large sale also, the greatest hitherto known. West painted a series of historical pictures for Windsor Castle and a second series of religious subjects for King George's Chapel there. He took a prominent part in the organization of the Royal Academy. He and Sir Joshua Reynolds were fast friends. On the death of Reynolds in 1792 West was made president. West's remains were placed in St. Paul's.