Benjamin West was an American born painter who served as the second president of the Royal Academy from 1792 to 1805 and 1807 to 1820. In 1772 he was appointed a historical painter to King George III. The painter influenced many young American artists at his London studio including John Singleton Copley. Despite his American roots, the majority of West’s career was spent in England. So why did this promising America artist locate himself in England far from American influence? As a talented young artist he traveled to Italy to study the Neoclassicism that was gaining ground at the time. Two wealthy Philadelphia families paid for this trip so he could be immersed in the European artistic tradition. Wooed by London, he settled in England and became a talented portrait painter where he gained popularity.
The Death of General Wolfe, one of his most popular and controversial works, reveals West’s training in the Classical and commitment to a modern portrayal. His exposure to the Classical style was no doubt cultivated in Italy. The painting is an example of realism with modern dress rather than the Classical draped togas that critics asserts his figures ought to have worn. The togas and Classical dress would convey a universal message, and the modern depiction was considered by some an affront to art history painting. The use of light and melodrama reflect Baroque style. The North American subject matter is a nod to his native continent. Despite the criticism the painting gained widespread popularity.
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