Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Benjamin WEST
Biography BENJAMIN WEST, son of John West, was born in the township of Springfield, Chester (now Delaware) county, October 10, 1738. His native place, (West-dale,) is in view, on the north side of the railroad, as you travel between Media and Philadelphia. The family were members of the Society of Friends. John married in England, and removed to Pennsylvania. His wife, unable to make the voyage at the time, was left behind, gave birth to a son, and died. The boy was brought up by some English relatives, and settled at Reading as a
watchmaker. The widower remained on this side of the Atlantic, and marrying again, had ten children, of whom Benjamin was the youngest. In his seventh year, he gave the first indications of his propensity for the pencil. As he was watching the sleeping infant of his eldest sister, it smiled, and, struck with its beauty, he sought some paper, and drew its portrait in red and black ink. His talent, as usual, was cultivated under difficulties. From some Indians he obtained red and yellow, and his mother gave him a piece of indigo. A relative,
however, having sent him a box of paints and pencils, he opened a studio in his mother's garret, where he forgot to go to school, and excited both surprise and admiration by his performances. His indulgent mother kissed him with rapture, on beholding them, and procured a pardon from his father and teacher, for the delinquencies of the truant. With the aid and countenance of various Patrons, he was encouraged to persevere in his art for several years, in his own country. In 1760, by the kindness of some friends, he was enabled to proceed to Italy, and reached Rome, July 10th of that year. In 1763, he went to London, where the prospect of success induced him to establish himself as a historical painter. Benjamin was engaged to Miss Shewell, of Philadelphia, before he visited
Europe, and in 1765, she went to England under the escort of his father. Tradition gives a pleasant account of the affair. We are told that the Lady's family was very much opposed to the match, and with a view to prevent it, her brother
undertook to be her custodian, and kept her in her chamber, under lock and key. Being of age, Miss Shewell was no disposed to yield to such arbitrary treatment. She resolved to go to her betrothed, - inasmuch as he could not conveniently come for her. The gentlemen of her acquaintance sympathized with her, and determined to secure her passage in a ship, then about to sail for England. They verified the saying, that 'Love laughs at lock smiths;'and applied such apparatus as enabled the lady to descend from her prison by night, through the chamber window, in time to take her departure, under the auspices of Mr. West, senior - her intended husband's Father. - who sanctioned the procedure, and accompanied her to England. There the old gentleman first saw his eldest son -
then past the meridian of life. Among the liberators of Miss Shewell, it is said was a reverend gentleman, then very young, and subsequently known as the excellent Bishop White, of this Diocese, - who, as the story goes, always justified the deed, and declared he would do so again, under the same
circumstances. The artistic career of Benjamin West, in England, is too well known to require a detailed history, here. - He was somewhat of a favorite with George the Third, - though his political sympathies were always with his native
land. In the time of the Fourth George, or Prince Regent, Benjamin was advised, as President of the Royal Academy, to be present at a public Exhibition, inasmuch as Majesty was to be there, and would expect his attendance. He was assured that the Prince, out of regard for his age, and infirmities, would
probably dispense with the usual etiquette, on such occasions. His reply indicated the feeling which influenced him, and the extent of his reliance on such promises. 'No,'said the old man; is now many years since I have had cause to know the wisdom of David's advice - PUT NOT YOUR TRUST IN PRINCES.'His
valuable life was terminated on the 11th of March, 1820, in the eighty-second year of his age; and if the mother of GRACCHI, was excusable for the parade of her famous 'Jewels,' surely the ancient County of Chester may venture to present such a son as BENJAMIN WEST.
Benjamin West (1738-1820) the Pennsylvania Quaker who studied art in Italy and settled in England in 1763, eventually becoming Hhistory Painter to King George III. He was a founder of the Royal Academy, and served as its second president after the death of Sir Joshua Reynolds. He was buried in St Paul's Cathedral. West influenced virtually every American artist of consequence who painted before 1820.
Among those he welcomed to London and instructed were Charles Willson a
Rembrandt Peale, John Singleton copley, Washington Allston, John Trumbull,
Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Sully, Rogert Fulton and Samuel F.B. Morse.
(taken from American Arts Quarterly, Winter, 1999, p. 31.)
| HOME | EMAIL | SURNAMES |
Return to The Pennocks of Primitive Hall website.
The information in this database may contain errors. If you find any questionable data, or if you have something to add my findings, please feel free to e-mail me by clicking on the "E-MAIL" link above. Thank you!
Page built by Gedpage Version 2.21 ©2009 on 07 July 2020