Chapter 27

BENJAMIN WEST.

A native of Pennsylvania--Circumstances attending his birth--The child of promise--First indications of genius--The baby's portrait--Lessons from the Indians--The box of colors--The truant pupil--The mother's discovery---West's opinion of his first picture--The little portrait painter--The first attempt at historical painting--"The Death of Socrates"--Choosing a profession--Dedicated to his work--A fighting Quaker--Establishes himself in New York--Visits Europe--Arrival at Rome, and reception there--Visit to the Apollo Belvidere--West's criticism--Travels and labors on the continent--Visits England--His reception there--Urged to stay--Decides to make England his home--Sends for his bride--Marriage--"Agrippina Landing with the Ashes of Germanicus"--Success of the picture--The king becomes his friend--The most famous works of Benjamin West--"The Death of Wolfe"--Reception of the picture by the public--West triumphs over the critics, and inaugurates a new era of historical painting--Death of the king--West is elected President of the National Academy--His resignation and re-election--Closing years of a great career--Personal appearance--Leigh Hunt's description of him--Death--Burial in St. Paul's Cathedral.