1738-1820. American Neo-Classical painter,
active in London from 1763. He enjoyed the
patronage of George III for many years and
painted historical pictures. His Death of
General Wolfe 1770 (National Gallery, Ottawa)
began a vogue for painting recent historical
events in contemporary costume. He became
president of the Royal Academy, London in
1792. West was born in Pennsylvania. His
Death of General Wolfe 1770 (National
Gallery, Ottawa) began a vogue for painting
recent historical events in contemporary
costume. Many early American artists studied
with him, including Washington Allston,
Gilbert Stuart, and J S Copely.