Artist. He was an American-born English painter mainly of the 18th century.
Born to Quaker parents in Springfield, Pennsylvania, he was encouraged to draw; it is said he received his first set of paints from his Indian friends. At the age of 16, his Quaker community approved art training for him, and he studied in Philadelphia and New York City.
He served as a militia captain in Indian campaigns in Pennsylvania, then went to study for three years in Italy. In 1763, he went to England, where he stayed for the rest of his life.
Called the "American Raphael" by the British, West's Classicist Biblical and mythological themes soon attracted the attention of London's premier artists, and he became a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768. He was commissioned to paint several works for King George III, and was appointed historical painter to the king in 1772. By another royal appointment, West was made a charter member of the Royal Academy, succeeding close colleague Sir Joshua Reynolds as President in 1792.
Some of his most recognized works are "The Death of Nelson," "Moses Shown the Promised Land," and "The Death of General Wolfe." West died in London at the age of 81.
Born to Quaker parents in Springfield, Pennsylvania, he was encouraged to draw; it is said he received his first set of paints from his Indian friends. At the age of 16, his Quaker community approved art training for him, and he studied in Philadelphia and New York City.
He served as a militia captain in Indian campaigns in Pennsylvania, then went to study for three years in Italy. In 1763, he went to England, where he stayed for the rest of his life.
Called the "American Raphael" by the British, West's Classicist Biblical and mythological themes soon attracted the attention of London's premier artists, and he became a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768. He was commissioned to paint several works for King George III, and was appointed historical painter to the king in 1772. By another royal appointment, West was made a charter member of the Royal Academy, succeeding close colleague Sir Joshua Reynolds as President in 1792.
Some of his most recognized works are "The Death of Nelson," "Moses Shown the Promised Land," and "The Death of General Wolfe." West died in London at the age of 81.
Artist. He was an American-born English painter mainly of the 18th century.
Born to Quaker parents in Springfield, Pennsylvania, he was encouraged to draw; it is said he received his first set of paints from his Indian friends. At the age of 16, his Quaker community approved art training for him, and he studied in Philadelphia and New York City.
He served as a militia captain in Indian campaigns in Pennsylvania, then went to study for three years in Italy. In 1763, he went to England, where he stayed for the rest of his life.
Called the "American Raphael" by the British, West's Classicist Biblical and mythological themes soon attracted the attention of London's premier artists, and he became a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768. He was commissioned to paint several works for King George III, and was appointed historical painter to the king in 1772. By another royal appointment, West was made a charter member of the Royal Academy, succeeding close colleague Sir Joshua Reynolds as President in 1792.
Some of his most recognized works are "The Death of Nelson," "Moses Shown the Promised Land," and "The Death of General Wolfe." West died in London at the age of 81.
Born to Quaker parents in Springfield, Pennsylvania, he was encouraged to draw; it is said he received his first set of paints from his Indian friends. At the age of 16, his Quaker community approved art training for him, and he studied in Philadelphia and New York City.
He served as a militia captain in Indian campaigns in Pennsylvania, then went to study for three years in Italy. In 1763, he went to England, where he stayed for the rest of his life.
Called the "American Raphael" by the British, West's Classicist Biblical and mythological themes soon attracted the attention of London's premier artists, and he became a founding member of the Royal Academy in 1768. He was commissioned to paint several works for King George III, and was appointed historical painter to the king in 1772. By another royal appointment, West was made a charter member of the Royal Academy, succeeding close colleague Sir Joshua Reynolds as President in 1792.
Some of his most recognized works are "The Death of Nelson," "Moses Shown the Promised Land," and "The Death of General Wolfe." West died in London at the age of 81.
Bio by: Kristen Conrad
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