The artwork named “Benjamin West,” created by the artist Gilbert Stuart in 1785, falls within the Rococo art movement and is classified under the portrait genre.
In the artwork, a man is depicted seated, gazing directly at the viewer with a composed and dignified expression. He is attired in an elegant, formal coat and a ruffled white shirt. The subject appears to be holding a thick book while a rolled document lies on the table before him. The background of the artwork features a dark curtain and an indistinct sketch, possibly hinting at the artistic nature or intellectual inclinations of the depicted individual. The use of lighting in the piece highlights the subject’s face and upper body, creating a dramatic contrast that draws attention to his features and attire, typical of the stylistic nuances of the Rococo movement.
