Portrait of Benjamin West

1818 or later

copy after Thomas Lawrence

(British, 1769–1830)

England, 18th century

oil on canvas

Framed: 102 x 88.5 x 11 cm (40 3/16 x 34 13/16 x 4 5/16 in.); Unframed: 76.2 x 63.5 cm (30 x 25 in.)

Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1916.2059

Location: not on view

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Description

This bust-length portrait of the prominent American artist, Benjamin West, was allegedly painted by Thomas Lawrence. Although its attribution remains uncertain, the portrait's style and execution recalls other portraits of West by Lawrence, including the full-length painting now in the National Gallery, London. This smaller version may have been created when West was at an advanced age, and no longer able to stand for extended periods of time. However, as an exact, yet more freely painted likeness of the London portrait, this version also may be a copy made by Lawrence or one of his pupils after the full-length version.