# Benjamin West

American, born The Thirteen Colonies, 1738–1820

West grew up in Pennsylvania and, after three years in Italy, settled in London in 1763, never returning to America. He became history painter to George III and, in 1792, succeeded Joshua Reynolds as President of the Royal Academy. His The Death of General Wolfe broke with convention by showing a modern event in contemporary dress. His London studio welcomed generations of American artists, including Charles Willson Peale, Gilbert Stuart and Thomas Sully.

_Written by Ochre Editions._

2 works in the collection.

- [Elizabeth Shewell West and Her Son, Raphael](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/elizabeth-shewell-west-and-her-son-raphael-cma-109245), Benjamin West, c. 1770. Courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Art.
- [West Family in the Studio Garden](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/west-family-in-the-studio-garden-si-npg-npg-77-34), Benjamin West, 1808-09. Courtesy of Smithsonian Institution.