West, Benjamin, 1738-1820

American-born artist who was a charter member of the Royal Academy.

American historical painter.

Painter, born in Springfield, Pa., but lived in England from 1763 until his death. Gilbert Stuart and Thomas Sully were among his students.

West was a historical, portrait, religious, genre and landscape painter.

Artist.

Painter. Born in Pennsylvania, moved to London, where his studio became a center for expatriate Americans.

Painter; Philadelphia, Pa.

Benjamin West was a historical painter best known for his work, William Penn's Treaty with the Indians. He was born in 1738 in Pennsylvania, the son of John and Sarah West who had been birthright members of the Society of Friends before their marriage. He spent most of his life in Europe before his death in 1820.

Anglo-American painter.

Benjamin West (1738-1820) was a painter from Philadelphia, Penn.

Benjamin West (1738-1820) was a portrait and history painter, London, England.

Born in Pennsylvania. In 1763, he moved to London and opened his own studio. In 1772 he was appointed the court historical painter to King George III. Served as president of the Royal Academy, 1792-1815.

Benjamin West (1738-1820) was a portrait and history painter, London, England.

Born in Pennsylvania. In 1763, he moved to London and opened his own studio. In 1772 he was appointed the court historical painter to King George III. Served as president of the Royal Academy, 1792-1815.

Benjamin West (1738-1820) was particularly noted for his paintings of historical events and portraits. Born in or near Philadelphia, PA, West studied with William Williams when he came to Philadelphia in the late 1740s. In either 1759 or 1760, he traveled to Italy to study art. His works were so well received abroad that he decided to remain in Europe, opening a studio in London as a portrait painter. West's 1770 work, "Death of Wolfe," gained the attention of the British royalty, and King George soon commissioned him to paint several more heroic death scenes. His great knowledge of the history of art and literature is apparent in his work, particularly in his French romantic style painting, "Death on a Pale Horse," 1802.

West was a charter member of the Royal Academy, founded in 1768. He later became its second president. West decided to keep his permanent residence in London, remaining there until his death in 1820. After the American Revolutionary War, many young American artists went to Europe to study, and quite a few well-known artists temporarily moved to London to study with West. Among them were Charles Willson Peale, Rembrandt Peale, Gilbert Stuart, John Trumbull, and Thomas Sully.

Portrait and history painter, London, England.

Born in Pennsylvania. In 1763 he moved to London and opened his own studio. In 1772 he was appointed the court historical painter to King George III. Served as president of the Royal Academy, 1792-1815.

Painter

Born in Pennsylvania, moved to London, where his studio became a center for expatriate Americans.

Painter

Born in Pennsylvania, moved to London, where his studio became a center for expatriate Americans.