News
Events
Blogs
Benjamin West drawings
Benjamin West was raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and worked most of his life as an artist in Pennsylvania and London, England. He created a wide variety of works during his career, from simple portraits to historical and religious scenes, and often utilized neoclassical elements in his de...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Collection: | Benjamin West Drawings |
| Collection Number: | 3149 |
| Format: | Manuscript |
| Language: | English |
| Subjects and Genres: | |
| Online Access: | Link to finding aid |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Physical Description: |
0.95 Linear feet ; 4 boxes |
|---|---|
| Access: |
The collection is open for research. |
| Summary: |
Benjamin West was raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and worked most of his life as an artist in Pennsylvania and London, England. He created a wide variety of works during his career, from simple portraits to historical and religious scenes, and often utilized neoclassical elements in his designs. This collection consists of thirty-three original drawings and sketches by West, several of which served as studies or were made in preparation for larger paintings. This collection of thirty-three of Benjamin West's drawings and sketches is housed in 4 boxes (Box 4 is a flat portfolio) and spans his career in London from about 1765 to about 1819. Though they are but a small sample of his work, these items, many of which are studies or drafts for larger works, demonstrate well his talents and style. Most of the drawings are done in pen, ink, and wash; though there are a few charcoal and pencil drawings as well. The quality of the works ranges as well. For example,Paetus and Arria is a very detailed drawing complete with a colored wash, whileHector Parting with his Wife is just a brief outline sketch. All the works are matted and most of them have what appear to be auction entries pasted on verso. Additionally, a number of them are signed by West himself and inscribed by West's son, Benjamin West Jr. Besides the auction entries, the collection contains no further descriptions of the works. |