The artwork titled “Portrait of Benjamin West” was crafted by Samuel Morse circa 1811, rendered in oil on canvas. It is a distinguished piece within the Romanticism art movement and belongs to the portrait genre. This esteemed work is currently housed at the National Academy Museum and School (National Academy of Design) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork portrays the figure of Benjamin West, depicted with a solemn and composed expression. The subject wears dark, rich garments that hint at his stature and significance. The use of light and shadow enhances the depth of the subject’s features, with particular emphasis on his balding head and contemplative gaze, characteristics often showcased in Morse’s portraits. The background is subtly shaded, directing the viewer’s focus entirely on the dignified subject, thereby embodying the essence of Romanticism through its emotional resonance and attentive detail.
