Benjamin West

Born to an innkeeper in Pennsylvania, West was self-taught. He famously claimed that Native Americans taught him how to make paint by mixing river clay with bear grease during his childhood.¹

He learned techniques for painting the shimmer of silk and satin from John Wollaston, and adopted his mannerism of giving subjects large almond-shaped eyes, which was considered chic.¹

In 1760, he traveled to Italy to study by copying works of Titian and Raphael. In Rome, he expanded his artistic vision through contact with Neoclassical artists like Anton Rafael Mengs.¹

After arriving in London in 1763, West never returned to America. Known as the 'American Raphael,' he established himself as a master of history painting in England.¹

West was instrumental in founding the Royal Academy and served as its second president after Joshua Reynolds, playing a central role in the development of British art.¹

His 1770 masterpiece 'The Death of General Wolfe' became his most influential work, shocking the art world by depicting a historical scene in contemporary dress.¹

Favored by King George III, West was appointed historical painter to the court in 1772 with a £1,000 annual fee, producing numerous history paintings and royal portraits.¹