Benjamin West
(1738-1820), History painter and President of the Royal AcademyRegency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter associated with 43 portraits
Artist associated with 39 portraits
The American artist Benjamin West settled in London in 1763 where he became successful as a portraitist and history painter. His painting of The Death of General Wolfe (1770-71), was particularly innovative in its use of classical conventions of history painting to portray a modern event. West succeeded Sir Joshua Reynolds as President of the Royal Academy from 1792 to 1820.
Benjamin West; James Wolfe (on reverse)
by W. Wilson, after Sir Francis Leggatt Chantrey, and after Benjamin West
bronze medal, 1866
NPG D2931
by Charles Theodosius Heath, published by William Johnstone White, after Sir William John Newton
line engraving, published 12 December 1817
NPG D19391
Related People
- Benjamin West Jr (son)
- Elizabeth West (née Shewell) (wife)
- John West (father)
- Raphael Lamar West (son)
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