Portrait of Benjamin West1818 or later · Study 1916.2059

Context from the museum

This bust-length portrait of the prominent American artist, Benjamin West, was allegedly painted by Thomas Lawrence. Although its attribution remains uncertain, the portrait's style and execution recalls other portraits of West by Lawrence, including the full-length painting now in the National Gallery, London. This smaller version may have been created when West was at an advanced age, and no longer able to stand for extended periods of time. However, as an exact, yet more freely painted likeness of the London portrait, this version also may be a copy made by Lawrence or one of his pupils after the full-length version.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Portrait of Benjamin West is 63.5 cm wide and 76.2 cm high, equivalent to approximately 25.0 × 30.0 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.83:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.48 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 21.2% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 118.3 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Portrait of Benjamin West in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on canvas, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 63.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?