The artwork in question is a self-portrait by the artist Benjamin West, created in the year 1776. This oil on canvas painting falls into the portrait genre and is often associated with the Rococo art movement, an era known for its ornate and decorative style. The artwork is currently housed at the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) located in Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States.
In terms of visual description, the artwork portrays the artist himself. West is depicted with a contemplative expression, gazing directly out of the canvas. He is dressed in period attire, featuring a blue-grey jacket and a white shirt, with a classic black hat that sits atop his powdered wig, a sign of the fashion of the time. He is resting his cheek on his hand in a pose that suggests deep thought or reflection. The background appears subdued with darker tones that highlight the figure of the artist, rendering a sense of prominence to the subject. The use of light and shadow suggests a three-dimensional form and adds to the introspective mood of the portrait.