Profile Head- Study
18th Century-19th Century
18th Century-19th Century
22 1/2 x 17 in. (57.2 x 43.2 cm)
Benjamin West,
American,
(1738–1820)
Object Type:
PAINTINGS
Creation Place:
North America
Medium and Support:
Oil on paper on board
Accession Number:
78-P-217
Gallery Label:
Benjamin West was born in a Quaker settlement in Springfield, PA. His parents encouraged his artistic talents, and by the age of 15 he was already known for his portraits. In 1760, West sailed for England where he would soon develop an international reputation like no other American artist. West was the first American to study art in Italy, and he embraced the popular Neoclassical style of Europe. Through his close ties with England and patronage by George III, West became president of the Royal Academy of Arts in London. He was very fond of his American heritage and always kept an open door for American artists who wished to study in Europe. He became the teacher of up-and-coming American artists like Gilbert Stuart and Charles Willson Peale.
Alexis Corey, '16
Curatorial Intern, Fall 2015
Current Location:
Art Museum : 18 C Gallery
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