Artwork
The Damsel and Orlando
The Damsel and Orlando is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Benjamin West. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil paint applied to a canvas support, a standard technique for history paintings of the period.
The Damsel and Orlando is an oil painting on canvas created in 1793 by Benjamin West. The work is executed in oil paint applied to a canvas support, a standard technique for history paintings of the period. It measures 91.4 cm in height by 71.1 cm in width and is classified within the American Wing as a history painting.
The composition portrays the figures of Roland, a child, a man, and a woman, reflecting the narrative clarity and academic conventions of late-18th-century American art. No specific handling or condition details are recorded in the source material.
History & Provenance
The painting The Damsel and Orlando was created by the artist Benjamin West in 1793. Executed in oil on canvas, the work measures 91.4 by 71.1 centimeters. While the specific circumstances of its original commission and the immediate chain of ownership prior to its museum acquisition are not detailed in the available records, the work's inception is firmly established as 1793.
The piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified within the American Wing as a history painting depicting the figures of Roland, a man, a woman, and a child.
Overview
Benjamin West, an American artist who established his career in London, painted The Damsel and Orlando around 1793. This oil on canvas exemplifies his commitment to history painting, a genre he significantly influenced. West was a prominent figure in the British art world, serving as the royal historical painter and holding the presidency of the Royal Academy. The work reflects his characteristic engagement with dramatic narrative subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a dramatic episode featuring Orlando and a distressed woman, alongside other figures including a child and another man. This narrative scene is drawn from a literary source, likely an epic poem. West's depiction emphasizes heightened emotion and dynamic action, characteristic of his approach to storytelling through art.
The composition captures a moment of rescue or intense interaction, inviting viewers to engage with the unfolding drama.
Context
Benjamin West's career bridged American origins with a significant presence in London, where he became a key figure in British art. As the royal historical painter and the second president of the Royal Academy, he held considerable influence. His practice, which included notable works like The Death of General Wolfe and numerous royal commissions, established him as a leading proponent of history painting, a genre he helped redefine with its emphasis on narrative and emotional impact.
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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