Benjamin west biography timeline templates

London

In , he moved to London, where he remained for the rest of his life.

Benjamin west biography timeline templates

Initially he continued with his portrait art, but in received his first commission for a history painting - Agrippina Landing at Brundisium with the Ashes of Germanicus (, Yale University Art Gallery). This confirmed West as one of the most talented narrative painters in London, and brought him to the attention of King George III.

History Painting: Death of General Wolfe

However, it was with The Death of General Wolfe (, National Gallery of Art, Ottowa) that West sealed his reputation.

The work was not - as is sometimes alleged - the first history picture to feature modern dress. This honour, seemingly, belongs to Edward Penny () for his Death of Wolfe (). However, West's painting rapidly became both a critical and popular success throughout Britain - it was shown at the Royal Academy (co-founded in by Joshua Reynolds and West) in , and was so well received that We