Artwork
Specimens of Polyautography: The Angel at the Tomb of Christ
Specimens of Polyautography: The Angel at the Tomb of Christ is a print by the Romanticist artist Benjamin West. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1940.1181
- Credit line
- Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Williams Collection
About this work
Overview
Specimens of Polyautography: The Angel at the Tomb of Christ is a 1801 print by Benjamin West, an American artist based in London. This religious genre piece is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a serene, melancholic scene of an angel at Christ's tomb, conveying emotional depth through subdued color choices, contrasting with the detailed style prevalent during its time.
Technique & Style
West's use of simple, muted colors to evoke emotion aligns with emerging artistic experiments of his era, notably resembling techniques seen in chiaroscuro, which emphasizes contrast to create mood.
History & Provenance
Created in 1801 by Benjamin West, the work is now held by The Cleveland Museum of Art, reflecting West's influence as a prominent historical painter in Britain despite his American origins.
Context
West, part of a group of artists exploring new styles, held significant positions in British art, including Historical Painter to the Court and second President of the Royal Academy, highlighting his dual American-British artistic identity.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, West's overall contribution to British art history and his experimentation with emotional color palettes continue to be noted in art historical discourse.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Benjamin West (October 10, 1738 – March 11, 1820) was an American-born British painter who specialised in history painting, creating such works as The Death of Nelson, The Death of General Wolfe, the Treaty of Paris,…
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