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Early Life and Training
Benjamin West, a renowned Anglo-American history painter, was born on October 10, 1738, in Springfield, Pennsylvania. As the tenth child of an innkeeper, West's early life was marked by humble beginnings. With little formal education, West was largely self-taught, yet he excelled in the arts. His innate talent and dedication earned him the nickname "American Raphael."
Artistic Career
West's artistic journey began in Pennsylvania, where he primarily painted portraits from 1746 to 1759. His patron, William Henry, encouraged him to create a painting based on Charles Rollin's Ancient History, resulting in "The Death of Socrates," a significant piece that differs from the original engraving.
- West met John Wollaston, a famous painter, and adopted his techniques for painting the shimmer of silk and satin.
- He became a close friend of Benjamin Franklin, whose portrait he painted, with Franklin serving as the godfather to West's second son.
International Recognition and Royal Academy
West's talents took him on a Grand Tour to Italy in 1760, where he expanded his repertoire by copying works from Italian painters like Titian and Raphael. Upon arriving in England in August 1763, West initially intended to visit before returning to America but ended up staying permanently.
- He was introduced to Richard Wilson and Joshua Reynolds, influential figures in the art world.
- West proposed a scheme to decorate St Paul's Cathedral with paintings, which was rejected, but his idea for an altarpiece for St Stephen Walbrook was accepted.
Legacy and Royal Academy Presidency
West's Raphaelesque painting, "Archangel Michael Binding the Devil," is now in the collection of Trinity College, Cambridge. He was known as the "American Raphael" and served as the second president of the Royal Academy from 1792 to 1805 and 1806 to 1820.
Notable Works:
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Explore the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, which includes over 2.8 million objects, on WahooArt: [https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3C7GM](https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3C7GM) |
Early Life and Training
Benjamin West, a renowned Anglo-American history painter, was born on October 10, 1738, in Springfield, Pennsylvania. As the tenth child of an innkeeper, West's early life was marked by limited formal education but a strong inclination towards art. He began his artistic journey under the guidance of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, where he learned to mix clay with bear grease to create paint.
Notable Works and Associations
West's artistic prowess led him to work in Pennsylvania from 1746 to 1759, primarily focusing on portraits. His patron, William Henry, encouraged him to paint The Death of Socrates, which significantly differed from the source and became known as "the most ambitious and interesting painting produced in colonial America." West's association with Dr. William Smith, provost of the College of Philadelphia, introduced him to John Wollaston, a famous painter who immigrated from London.
International Recognition and Royal Academy
West traveled to Italy in 1760, where he expanded his repertoire by copying works of Italian painters like Titian and Raphael. He met international neo-classical artists, including Anton Rafael Mengs, Gavin Hamilton, and Angelica Kauffman. In 1763, West arrived in England, initially intending to visit on his way back to America but ultimately staying. He was introduced to Richard Wilson and Joshua Reynolds, leading figures in the art world.
Legacy and Royal Academy Presidency
West proposed a scheme to decorate St Paul's Cathedral with paintings, which was rejected by the Bishop of London. However, his idea for an altarpiece for St Stephen Walbrook was accepted. West received acclaim for his classical subjects, such as Orestes and Pylades and The Continence of Scipio. He became known in England as the "American Raphael" and was soon on good terms with King George III, discussing the state of art in England and the establishment of a Royal Academy.
Conclusion
Benjamin West's legacy as an Anglo-American history painter is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the art world. His numerous works, including The Fright of Astyanax and The Cave of Despair, continue to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike. As the second president of the Royal Academy in London, West's impact on the art world remains unparalleled.
Important Dates:
- Born: October 10, 1738
- Died: March 11, 1820
- Proposed scheme for St Paul's Cathedral: 1766
- Presidency of the Royal Academy: 1792-1805 and 1806-1820 |
Benjamin West, un destacado artista estadounidense, nació el 10 de octubre de 1738 en Springfield, Pensilvania. A lo largo de su carrera, West se convirtió en una figura clave en la historia del arte, dejando una huella indeleble en la pintura histórica y en la formación de la identidad artística estadounidense.
Infancia y formación
West fue el décimo hijo de un posadero y su esposa. Su familia se mudó a Newtown Square, Pensilvania, donde su padre se convirtió en el dueño del Square Tavern. A una edad temprana, West mostró un talento innato para la pintura, y según sus propias palabras, los nativos americanos le enseñaron a hacer pintura mezclando arcilla de un río con grasa de oso en un recipiente.
Carrera artística
West comenzó su carrera como autodidacta, destacándose en las artes mientras tenía una educación limitada. En 1746, trabajó en Pensilvania, principalmente pintando retratos. Su patrón, William Henry, lo incentivó a pintar "La muerte de Sócrates" basado en un grabado de la "Historia Antigua" de Charles Rollin. Esta composición, significativamente diferente del original, es conocida como "la más ambiciosa y interesante pintura producida en la América colonial".
- La muerte de Sócrates, una obra que marcó el comienzo de su carrera.
- En 1760, viajó a Italia, donde copió obras de pintores italianos como Tiziano y Rafael directamente del original.
- Conoció a varios artistas neoclásicos en Roma, incluyendo a Anton Rafael Mengs, Gavin Hamilton y Angelica Kauffman.
Presidencia de la Royal Academy
West se mudó a Londres en 1763 y se convirtió en un miembro destacado de la Royal Academy. Fue nombrado presidente de la institución en 1792, cargo que ocupó hasta su muerte en 1820. Durante este período, West recibió elogios por sus pinturas históricas, como "La partida de Regulus", y fue apodado el "Rafael estadounidense".
Relevante: Para más información sobre la Royal Academy, visite La Sociedad de Arte del Reino Unido: La Fine Art Society
Obra y legado
West dejó una huella indeleble en la historia del arte. Sus pinturas, como Thetis Bringing the Armor to Achilles, The Three Sisters, The Fright of Astyanax y The Cave of Despair, son ejemplos de su maestría en la pintura histórica. Para ver más obras de West, visite Benjamin West | 274 Artworks
Importante: La obra de West es un testimonio de su dedicación a la pintura histórica y su influencia en la formación de la identidad artística estadounidense. Su legado continúa inspirando a generaciones de artistas y entusiastas del arte.
Imperial College Healthcare Charity Art Collection, una colección que refleja la diversidad y riqueza de la cultura británica, ofrece una visión única de la historia y el presente del Reino Unido. Para más información sobre esta colección, visite La Colección de Arte Imperial College Healthcare Charity (Londres, Reino Unido) |
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