The Life and Studies of Benjamin West, Esq., President of the Royal Academy of London

An important two-volume biography, first published 1816–20, of the acclaimed American history painter, reissued here in one volume.

John Galt (Author)

9781108068949, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 17 April 2014

440 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.56 kg

Originally published in two volumes in 1816 and 1820, this collection of biographical information and anecdotes tracing the career of the artist Benjamin West (1738–1820) is reissued here in one volume. Prepared by the Scottish novelist John Galt (1779–1839), it is based on the personal recollections of West himself, yet it is acknowledged to include some embellishment. Born in Pennsylvania and largely self-taught, West was the first American artist to travel through Italy to improve his skill by studying antique sculptures and old master paintings. After he came to London in 1763, his strength as a history painter was recognised, not least by George III, and he became a leader of the neoclassical movement. Instrumental in establishing the Royal Academy of Arts, West became its second president in 1792. Galt's narrative emphasises the importance of West in the history of art in Britain.

Preface
Part I. Prior to his Arrival in England: 1. The birth and paternal ancestry of Mr West
2. The artist visits Philadelphia
3. The course of instruction
4. Reflections on the eccentricities of young men of genius
5. Motives which induced him to visit New York
6. State of the stationary society of Rome
7. Anecdote of a famous improvisatore
8. The result of the artist's experiment
Part II. Subsequent to his Arrival in This Country: Preface
Introduction
1. Mr West arrives in England
2. Some notice of Archbishop Drummond
3. Archbishop Drummond's address in procuring the patronage of the king
4. The king's personal friendship for Mr West
5. The opening of the Royal Academy
6. Singular anecdote
7. Observations on Mr West's intercourse with the king
8. The first discourse of Mr West
9. Discourse in 1794
10. Discourse in 1797
11. Discourse
12. Discourse
13. Mr West's visit to Paris
14. Reflections
Appendix.

Subject Areas: The arts: general issues [AB]