Benjamin West

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the background and works of painter, Benjamin West. It begins by describing his rise to the level of an internationally recognized painter and then discusses in detail, some of his works. The paper describes West's techniques in "The Death of General Wolfe" and "Death on the Pale Horse." It ends with the writer's personal reflections on West's artwork and the meaning they convey.

Table of Contents:
I. Benjamin West
Portrait of Benjamin West
II. The Death of General Wolfe
A Touch of Bright
III. Death on a Pale Horse
IV. Who Immortalized Whom?
Personal Reflections
V. Present Treasures

From the Paper:

"The Death of General Wolfe, an oil painted on canvas in 1770 by West, depicts James Wolfe's final moments during the 1759 Battle of Quebec, of the Neoclassical era. General Wolfe is reported to be portrayed West as a Christ-like figure in a triangular composition. ("The Death of General Wolfe") Benjamin West's prominence increased with his painting, The Death of General Wolfe, which portrayed the last moments of Wolfe, an English hero, on September 13, 1759. This visual symbol of the conquest of Canada during the triumph over the French at Quebec won West a massive amount of fame. In fact, James Northcote (1746-1831), who did not admire West, reportedly noted that anytime anyone spent five minutes with West, they would hear about his Wolfe."
"As West did not adhere to stringent prescriptions in color choices, some observers are taken aback that "The Death of General Wolfe" includes bright colors. The vivid hues' deep character, nevertheless, reconcile with this painting's tragic theme, while the "painterly sky" echoes the turbulence and tragedy occurring on the battlefield. Religious connections are embellished as the flag, with the arms of the men on the left stretched out, making a cross, reflecting "La Pieta,' a painting presenting the Christ being struck down. ("The Death of General Wolfe")"

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Benjamin West" Archive Photos. "American Artists and the Louvre." (2006)
• Baigell, Matthew. A Concise History of American Painting and Sculpture. Revised ed. Boulder, CO: Icon Editions, 1996.
• "The Death of General Wolfe." (2006). [13 September 2006]. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_of_General_Wolfe.
• "Editorial | Academy of the Fine Arts A fitting lifetime achievement award", The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 25, 2005.
• Evans, Grose. Benjamin West and the Taste of His Times. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press, 1959.

More papers on Benjamin West:

• Descriptive Essay # 109376 : "Benjamin West's "Death on the Pale Horse"
• Comparison Essay # 22103 : "Benjamin West and Thomas Eakins"
• Descriptive Essay # 12446 : "Benjamin West, "Death On The Pale Horse"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: