The valiant hero : Benjamin West and grand-style history painting
This volume explores the early career of Benjamin West, the American-born artist who become the official history painter for England's King George III. Abrams analyzes West's formula for historical painting and his grand-style compositions such as The Death of General Wolfe, William Penn's Treaty with the Indians, Agrippina Landing at Brundisium with the Ashes of Germanicus, and The Departure of Regulus from Rome. She explains how West combined traditional painting styles with popular imagery, using themes and settings from contemporary theater and popular prints to create a new interpretation of a patriotic theme. Abrams also covers the relationship between the contents of West's works and events in late l8th century London, significant events and people from his early years in Pennsylvania and from his training in Italy and London, and the precedent he established for the development of neoclassical and romantic styles. ISBN 0-87474-206-4 : $39.95
Print Book, English, ©1985
Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C., ©1985