Benjamin West, 1738 – 1820

Benjamin West: De 100 mest kända målningarna

Döden till general Wolfe (1770) är det mest kända verket av Benjamin West och finns i Art Gallery of Ontario i Toronto. The Last Supper (1786) och The Bard (1778) är de nästa två verk som världen känner till bäst. Av de 360 verk av Benjamin West i vår katalog, här är de 100 som samlare och museum besökare tittar mest på, med årtal, museum och historien bakom varje verk.

Rankade efter vår popularitetspoäng, som kombinerar sökningar, besök och beställningar för varje verk. Uppdaterad oktober 2026. Varje mästerverk på denna sida kan beställas som en handmålad oljereproduktion av museikvalitet eller som ett konsttryck i den storlek du väljer.

Porträtt av Benjamin West
Benjamin West · 1738 – 1820
Född · död
1738 – 1820, Springfield Township
Rörelse
Neoclassical painting
Verk i vår katalog
360
Mest kända
Döden till general Wolfe (1770)
Flest verk på
Yale Center for British Art

Topp 10: Benjamin Wests mest kända målningar

Döden till general Wolfe (1770) av Benjamin West
1

Döden till general Wolfe

1770 · Olja på duk · Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto

Döden till general Wolfe: Ett mästerverk inom historisk konst Historisk kontext och betydelse "The Death of General Wolfe" av Benjamin West är en ikonisk målning som fångar ett avgörande ögonblick i historien – slaget vid Quebec den 13 september 1759. Detta slag, som var en del av Sjuårskriget, avgjorde ödet för Frankrikes kolonier i Nordamerika. General James Wolfe, som ledde de brittiska styrkorna till seger, blev dödligt sårad under konflikten.…

The Last Supper (1786) av Benjamin West
2

The Last Supper

1786 · Oil · Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

Benjamin West's "The Last Supper," painted in 1786, isn’t merely a depiction of a biblical event; it’s a profound exploration of human emotion and the genesis of faith. This monumental oil on canvas, currently residing at the Detroit Institute of Arts, transcends its historical subject matter to become a timeless meditation on betrayal, disbelief, and the quiet dignity of sacrifice. West, a pivotal figure bridging the worlds of Neoclassicism and…

The Bard (1778) av Benjamin West
3

The Bard

1778 · Oil On Canvas · Tate Britain, London

Benjamin West's "The Bard," painted in 1778, is more than just a portrait; it’s a carefully constructed meditation on the role of the poet, the weight of classical learning, and perhaps, a subtle reflection of the burgeoning revolutionary spirit taking hold across the Atlantic. Measuring a modest 22 x 29 cm, this oak panel painting currently resides within the hallowed halls of Tate Britain in London, yet its impact resonates…

Alexander III of Scotland Rescued from the Fury of a Stag by the Intrepidity of Colin Fitzgerald ( (1786) av Benjamin West
4

Alexander III of Scotland Rescued from the Fury of a Stag by the Intrepidity of Colin Fitzgerald (

1786 · Oil On Canvas · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Benjamin West's "Alexander III of Scotland Rescued from the Fury of a Stag by the Intrepidity of Colin Fitzgerald" – often referred to as “The Death of the Stag” – is more than just a historical painting; it’s a visceral tableau of courage, loyalty, and the very essence of Highland legend. Completed in 1786, this monumental work, now residing within the Scottish National Gallery, transports us directly into a pivotal…

St. George and the Dragon (1786) av Benjamin West
5

St. George and the Dragon

1786 · Oil · Reading Public Museum, Reading

In St. George and the Dragon, Benjamin West orchestrates a scene of intense movement through a precise diagonal arrangement. The knight, mounted upon a rearing white horse, descends from the upper left toward the dragon positioned in the lower right. This structural choice directs the eye through the center of the struggle, emphasizing the momentum of the descent. The composition is tight and immersive, utilizing a close-up perspective that creates…

Death on a Pale Horse (1796) av Benjamin West
6

Death on a Pale Horse

1796 · Oil On Canvas · Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit

Benjamin West's "Death on a Pale Horse," painted in 1796, isn't merely a depiction of a biblical scene; it’s an immersive plunge into the heart of human anxiety and the sublime terror of impending doom. Born amidst the burgeoning intellectual currents of colonial America, West was a painter who defied easy categorization, seamlessly blending Neoclassical restraint with Romantic fervor. This particular work, one of three versions created around the same…

The Death of Hyacinth (1771) av Benjamin West
7

The Death of Hyacinth

1771 · Acrylic On Canvas · Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia

Benjamin West’s “The Death of Hyacinth,” completed in 1771, stands as a cornerstone of British Romanticism's nascent influence on the American artistic landscape. Currently residing within the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this monumental oil painting transcends mere depiction; it embodies an emotional resonance that continues to captivate viewers centuries later.

Portrait of George, Prince of Wales, and Prince Frederick, later Duke of York (1778) av Benjamin West
8

Portrait of George, Prince of Wales, and Prince Frederick, later Duke of York

1778 · Oil On Canvas · Ermitaget, Sankt Petersburg

Benjamin West’s “Portrait of George, Prince of Wales, and Prince Frederick, later Duke of York” (1778) is more than just a likeness; it's a meticulously crafted tableau vivant offering a rare glimpse into the social dynamics and burgeoning political currents of 18th-century Britain. Housed within the walls of The Hermitage in St. Petersburg, this oil on canvas masterpiece transcends mere portraiture, becoming a study in power, familial connection, and the…

The Death of Procris (1770) av Benjamin West
9

The Death of Procris

1770 · Oil On Panel · Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

The forest air hangs heavy and still, thick with the scent of damp earth and ancient leaves. Within this dark, atmospheric woodland, a profound tragedy unfolds in a single, frozen moment of grief. A woman lies motionless across the lower half of the canvas, her pale skin catching a sharp, theatrical light that seems to pierce through the murky canopy above. She is draped in deep, ultramarine blue fabric, her…

Resten av Benjamin West-rankingen, 11 till 100

Joseph Banks (1773) av Benjamin West
#11

Joseph Banks

1773 · Usher Art Gallery

Joseph Banks och Benjamin Wests Porträtt av en Lugn Elefant För att förstå Joseph Banks betydelse som konsthistorisk figur krävs det mer än bara ett namn på ett…

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Paetus and Arria (1766) av Benjamin West
#12

Paetus and Arria

1766 · Yale Center for British Art

The air in the room feels heavy, thick with the scent of old stone and impending finality. A man leans forward, his hand pressed against his forehead in…

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King Lear (1788) av Benjamin West
#14

King Lear

1788

The heavy weight of tragedy hangs over King Lear, a work by the artist Benjamin West. Executed in 1788, this oil on canvas captures a moment of profound…

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The Death of Chatham (1778) av Benjamin West
#15

The Death of Chatham

1778 · Yale Center for British Art

The composition anchors itself upon a slumped figure, the center of a collapsing world. This man, likely William Pitt the Elder, rests amidst a crowd of mourning dignitaries.…

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Portrait of Dr. Enoch Edwards (1750) av Benjamin West
#16

Portrait of Dr. Enoch Edwards

1750 · Brooklyn Museum

A single, steady gaze meets the viewer from the shadows of the late eighteenth century. Dr. Enoch Edwards sits in a three-quarter view, his presence defined by the…

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The Cave of Despair (1772) av Benjamin West
#18

The Cave of Despair

1772 · Yale Center for British Art

In 1772, Benjamin West painted The Cave of Despair, a scene drawn from the verses of Edmund Spenser’s Faerie Queen. The narrative centers on St. George, known as…

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King Lear (1788) av Benjamin West
#21

King Lear

1788 · Detroit Institute of Arts

The oil on canvas titled King Lear was executed by the artist Benjamin West in 1788. This work was originally commissioned for the Shakespeare Gallery in London, a…

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Self-Portrait (1818) av Benjamin West
#22

Self-Portrait

1818 · Harvard Art Museums

Benjamin West, an American artist born in Springfield, PA, produced this Self-Portrait during his later years. Created in the United States/North America, the work dates to about 1818.…

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Portrait of a Man (1794) av Benjamin West
#26

Portrait of a Man

1794 · Art Institute of Chicago

An elderly man sits within a wooden chair, positioned slightly off-center in a three-quarter length pose. He wears a dark, heavy coat featuring visible buttons and a crisp…

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Queen Charlotte (1777) av Benjamin West
#34

Queen Charlotte

1777 · Yale Center for British Art

The gaze of Queen Charlotte meets the viewer through this oil on canvas portrait painting, a work that captures the regal presence of the German-born British queen consort.…

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The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise (1791) av Benjamin West
#87

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise

1791 · Art Institute of Chicago

The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, painted in 1791, represents a significant contribution to the Neoclassical art movement. Created by the Anglo-American history painter Benjamin West,…

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The Conversion of St. Paul (1786) av Benjamin West
#91

The Conversion of St. Paul

1786 · Dallas Museum of Art

The Conversion of St. Paul is a significant work by Benjamin West, executed in 1786 CE. This painting emerged from the artist's period in England, a time when…

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The Artist and His Family (1772) av Benjamin West
#94

The Artist and His Family

1772 · Yale Center for British Art

In this intimate group portrait, The Artist and His Family, painted by Benjamin West about 1772, captures a quiet moment of domestic connection. The scene brings together the…

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Benjamin Wests målningar per period

De motiv Benjamin West målade mest av

De fyra motiv som förekommer oftast bland dessa mästerverk, med det främsta exemplet på varje.

Var du kan se Benjamin Wests målningar

De 8 museer som innehar flest av målningarna på denna sida.

Museum Stad Verk av Benjamin West Målningar från denna lista
Yale Center for British Art, New HavenYale Center for British Art New Haven 16 Paetus and Arria, Elizabeth West (née Shewell), and Her son Raphael, The Death of Chatham
Royal Collection, LondonRoyal Collection London 27 Edward III (1312 1377) with the Black Prince (1330 1376) after the Battle of Crecy (1346), St. Peter Denying Christ, Queen Charlotte (1744-1818) with Charlotte, Princess Royal (1766-1828)
Art Institute of Chicago, ChicagoArt Institute of Chicago Chicago 4 The Death of Procris, Queen Philippa at the Battle of Neville's Cross, Portrait of a Man
National Gallery of Art, WashingtonNational Gallery of Art Washington 10 The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, Portrait of Colonel Guy Johnson and Karonghyontye, Cupid, Stung by a Bee, Is Cherished by his Mother
Detroit Institute of Arts, DetroitDetroit Institute of Arts Detroit 7 The Last Supper, Death on a Pale Horse, King Lear
New York Historical Society, New York CityNew York Historical Society New York City 4 Charles Willson Peale (1741–1827), Thetis Bringing the Armor to Achilles
Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San FranciscoFine Arts Museums of San Francisco San Francisco 3 George Harry Grey, Lord Grey (later the Fifth Earl of Stamford), Cupid Stung by a Bee
Cleveland Museum of Art, ClevelandCleveland Museum of Art Cleveland 3 Elizabeth Shewell West and Her Son, Raphael, British Manufactory; A Sketch

Benjamin West genom decennierna: ett mästerverk för varje decennium

  1. 1750s
    Portrait of Dr. Enoch Edwards (1750) av Benjamin West
    Plats 16 av 100

    Portrait of Dr. Enoch Edwards

    Ålder 12 – 21 · Brooklyn Museum

    A single, steady gaze meets the viewer from the shadows of the late eighteenth century. Dr. Enoch Edwards sits in a three-quarter view, his presence defined by the…

  2. 1760s
    Paetus and Arria (1766) av Benjamin West
    Plats 12 av 100

    Paetus and Arria

    Ålder 22 – 31 · Yale Center for British Art

    The air in the room feels heavy, thick with the scent of old stone and impending finality. A man leans forward, his hand pressed against his forehead in…

  3. 1770s
    Döden till general Wolfe (1770) av Benjamin West
    Nr. 1 av 100

    Döden till general Wolfe

    Ålder 32 – 41 · Art Gallery of Ontario

    Döden till general Wolfe: Ett mästerverk inom historisk konst Historisk kontext och betydelse "The Death of General Wolfe" av Benjamin West är en ikonisk målning som fångar ett…

  4. 1780s
    The Last Supper (1786) av Benjamin West
    Nr. 2 av 100

    The Last Supper

    Ålder 42 – 51 · Detroit Institute of Arts

    Benjamin West's "The Last Supper," painted in 1786, isn’t merely a depiction of a biblical event; it’s a profound exploration of human emotion and the genesis of faith.…

  5. 1790s
    Death on a Pale Horse (1796) av Benjamin West
    Plats 6 av 100

    Death on a Pale Horse

    Ålder 52 – 61 · Detroit Institute of Arts

    Benjamin West's "Death on a Pale Horse," painted in 1796, isn't merely a depiction of a biblical scene; it’s an immersive plunge into the heart of human anxiety…

  6. 1800s
  7. 1810s
    Self-Portrait (1818) av Benjamin West
    Nr. 22 av 100

    Self-Portrait

    Ålder 72 – 81 · Harvard Art Museums

    Benjamin West, an American artist born in Springfield, PA, produced this Self-Portrait during his later years. Created in the United States/North America, the work dates to about 1818.…

Benjamin Wests målningar: vanliga frågor

Vilken är den mest kända målning av Benjamin West?Visa svaret

Döden till general Wolfe (1770), Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto. Därefter följer The Last Supper (1786) och The Bard (1778).

Vid vilken ålder målade Benjamin West Döden till general Wolfe?Visa svaret

32 år gammal: Döden till general Wolfe dateras från 1770 och Benjamin West föddes 1738.

Vilka är de 10 mest kända Benjamin West-målningarna?Visa svaret

Döden till general Wolfe, The Last Supper, The Bard, Alexander III of Scotland Rescued from the Fury of a Stag by the Intrepidity of Colin Fitzgerald (, St. George and the Dragon, Death on a Pale Horse, The Death of Hyacinth, Portrait of George, Prince of Wales, and Prince Frederick, later Duke of York, The Death of Procris och The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise. Rankingen ovan visar år och museum för varje verk.

Hur många målningar av Benjamin West finns det?Visa svaret

Vår katalog innehåller 360 verk av Benjamin West, daterade från 1750 till 1818.

Var kan jag se de mest kända målningarna av Benjamin West?Visa svaret

De flesta av dem finns i Yale Center for British Art (New Haven), Royal Collection (London) och Art Institute of Chicago (Chicago). Tabellen ovan listar museerna ett efter ett.

Under vilken period målade Benjamin West sina mest kända verk?Visa svaret

Under 1770s: 30 av de 100 verk som finns på denna sida härstammar från den tiden, däribland Döden till general Wolfe.

Vilken är den tidigaste kända målningen av Benjamin West, och vilken är den senaste?Visa svaret

Det tidigaste på denna sida är Portrait of Dr. Enoch Edwards (1750), det senaste Self-Portrait (1818).

Vilka motiv målade Benjamin West?Visa svaret

Man (21), Woman (17) och Horse (7), av totalt 100 verk på denna sida.

Vad målade Benjamin West på, och med vad?Visa svaret

Oil On Canvas: 33 av 100 verk på denna sida.

Vilken konstinriktning tillhör Benjamin Wests konst?Visa svaret

Neoclassical painting, som målningarna på denna sida visar.

Vilka målningar av Benjamin West finns i Yale Center for British Arts samlingar?Visa svaret

Paetus and Arria, Elizabeth West (née Shewell), and Her son Raphael och The Death of Chatham är bland de 13 verk på denna sida som innehas av Yale Center for British Art, New Haven.

Var kan jag köpa en Benjamin West-reproduktion?Visa svaret

Ja. Varje målning på denna sida kan beställas som en handmålad oljereproduktion av museikvalitet eller som ett konsttryck i den storlek du väljer, direkt från målningens egen sida.

Benjamin West: biografi

A Pioneer Bridging Worlds: The Life and Legacy of Benjamin West

Born in 1738 amidst the burgeoning landscape of colonial Pennsylvania, Benjamin West emerged as a pivotal figure in the transatlantic art world, a painter who skillfully navigated the currents of Neoclassicism and Romanticism while forging a uniquely American artistic identity. His story is one of remarkable self-education, unwavering ambition, and an extraordinary ability to connect with both aristocratic patrons and revolutionary ideals. From humble beginnings—his father an innkeeper in Springfield—West’s innate talent was nurtured by early exposure to the arts, reportedly learning rudimentary techniques from Native Americans before receiving any formal training. This unconventional start instilled within him a spirit of innovation that would characterize his entire career. He quickly established himself as a sought-after portraitist in Philadelphia and New York, but a thirst for deeper artistic knowledge propelled him towards Europe in 1760, embarking on a journey that would irrevocably alter the course of American art.

From Italy to London: Forging a Path to Recognition

West’s arrival in Italy marked a turning point. Immersing himself in the artistic heartland of Europe, he studied the masters—Titian, Raphael—and engaged with contemporary Neoclassical thinkers like Anton Rafael Mengs and Angelica Kauffman. This period was crucial in shaping his aesthetic sensibilities, instilling within him an appreciation for classical form and historical narrative. He meticulously copied works by these great artists, absorbing their techniques and understanding of composition. However, it was London that ultimately became his adopted home and artistic center. Arriving in 1763, West swiftly ascended the ranks of the British art scene, captivating audiences with his ambitious canvases and securing the patronage of King George III. This royal endorsement not only provided financial stability but also cemented his position as a leading figure within the establishment. A defining moment came with his election to the Royal Academy in 1769, an institution he would later preside over as President from 1792 until his death. His influence extended beyond his own artistic production; West became a champion for American artists seeking training in Europe, offering guidance and support to generations of aspiring painters like Allston, Copley, and Morse.

Revolutionizing Historical Painting: Technique and Controversy

West’s impact on the art world wasn't merely about achieving technical mastery; it was about challenging conventions. He dared to reimagine historical painting, moving away from rigid adherence to classical precedent and embracing a more contemporary sensibility. The Death of General Wolfe (1770), arguably his most famous work, exemplifies this revolutionary approach. By depicting the fallen general surrounded by figures in *contemporary* military attire rather than traditional Roman garb, West sparked considerable debate. Critics questioned the historical accuracy, but audiences were captivated by the immediacy and emotional resonance of the scene. This bold move signaled a shift towards greater realism and narrative power in history painting, influencing countless artists who followed. His style evolved over time, incorporating elements of Romanticism into his later works, yet always retaining a commitment to ambitious composition and detailed execution. Other notable pieces like Thetis Bringing the Armor to Achilles, The Three Sisters, The Fright of Astyanax, and The Cave of Despair demonstrate his versatility and mastery across a range of mythological and historical themes. The meticulous detail in his brushwork, combined with dramatic lighting and dynamic compositions, created works that were both visually stunning and emotionally engaging.

A Lasting Legacy: Shaping Artistic Identity

Benjamin West’s legacy extends far beyond the canvases he created. He fundamentally altered the landscape of American art, establishing history painting as a viable genre for American artists and fostering a sense of national artistic identity. His presidency of the Royal Academy solidified his influence on British art, promoting innovation and supporting emerging talent.
  • He championed a more accessible and emotionally engaging style of historical representation.
  • His studio became a haven for American artists seeking training in Europe.
  • He bridged the gap between Neoclassicism and the burgeoning Romantic movement.
West’s innovative spirit, coupled with his diplomatic skills and unwavering dedication to his craft, earned him lasting recognition as “the American Raphael.” He died in London in 1820, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire awe and admiration. His story serves as a testament to the power of artistic vision, the importance of cultural exchange, and the enduring legacy of an artist who dared to challenge conventions and forge his own path.

Key Works

* The Death of General Wolfe (1770): A pivotal work that redefined historical painting with its contemporary setting and dramatic composition. * Thetis Bringing the Armor to Achilles (c. 1769): Demonstrates West’s skill in rendering mythological subjects with a classical sensibility. * Agrippina with Germanicus’ Ashes (1768): A poignant portrait reflecting themes of loss and remembrance. * Kleombrotos’ Departure (c. 1770): A dynamic depiction of a historical event, showcasing West's ability to capture movement and emotion.

Influences

West drew inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including: * **Italian Renaissance Masters:** Titian, Raphael, and Michelangelo profoundly influenced his understanding of composition, color theory, and human anatomy. * **Neoclassical Thinkers:** Mengs and Angelica Kauffman shaped his approach to classical form and historical narrative. * **Contemporary Artists:** West’s work was also impacted by the innovations of artists like Joshua Reynolds and Gavin Hamilton.

Legacy

Benjamin West's contributions to art history are significant. He not only produced a vast body of influential paintings but also played a crucial role in fostering artistic exchange between America and Europe, shaping the development of American painting for generations to come. His legacy continues to be celebrated as an example of artistic innovation, cultural diplomacy, and enduring creative vision.

Alla 360 verk av Benjamin West →