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Benjamin West PRA (October 10, 1738 – March 11, 1820) was a British-American artist who painted famous historical scenes such as The Death of Nelson, The Death of General Wolfe, the Treaty of Paris, and Benjamin Franklin Drawing Electricity from the Sky.
Benjamin West (born October 10, 1738, near Springfield, Pennsylvania [U.S.]—died March 11, 1820, London, England) was an American-born painter of historical, religious, and mythological subjects who had a profound influence on the development of historical painting in Britain.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
His avant-garde Neoclassicism and modern history paintings revolutionized European art. West co-founded the Royal Academy of Art and the future National Gallery of London, became President of the Royal Academy, and royal painter to King George III.
Benjamin West. American-British Painter. Born: October 10, 1738 - Springfield, Pennsylvania. Died: March 11, 1820 - London, England. Movements and Styles: Neoclassicism. , Romanticism. , The Sublime in Art. , Grand Manner Portraiture. , American Realism.
- American-British
- October 10, 1738
- Springfield, Pennsylvania
- March 11, 1820
Benjamin West PRA (October 10, 1738 – March 11, 1820) was an Anglo-American history painter around and after the time of the American War of Independence and the Seven Years' War. He was the second president of the Royal Academy in London, serving from 1792 to 1805 and 1806 to 1820.
- American, British
- October 10, 1738
- Springfield, Pennsylvania, United States
- March 11, 1820
Benjamin West. The Death of General Wolfe. 1770. Category: European and American Painting, Sculpture, and Decorative Arts. Wolfe’s death in the battle to conquer Quebec in 1759 still resonated when West painted this work, its defining image.
American-born Benjamin West was one of the most prominent artists in late eighteenth century London. President of the Royal Academy from 1792 until his death, he received many commissions from George III and other English patrons, and at the same time served as teacher and advisor to three generations of American artists in London.
