Benjamin West (1738–1820)
West moved from his native Pennsylvania to Rome in 1760 and worked there until 1763. Paintings such as Agrippina Landing at Brundisium with the Ashes of Germanicus (1768) were inspired by his Roman experience and many of his early works derive their compositions from Nicolas Poussin. Solemn and austere in theme and treatment, they are also archaeologically correct in detailing.
Moving to England he became an established artist, favoured by George III after the king had seen West's depiction of Agrippina. He was appointed second president of the Royal Academy. In 1791 he honoured British manufacturers with decorations for the Queen's Lodge, Windsor, entitled Genius calling forth the Fine Arts to adorn Manufactures and Commerce...They no longer exist, but a surviving sketch entitled Etruria, or British Manufactory (1791) demonstrates his respect for Wedgwood in this field. Two boys in the foreground are holding a Wedgwood Portland Vase.
