Benjamin West (October 10, 1738 – 1820)

• Was an American-born artist.
• Entirely self-taught.
• West soon gained valuable patronage, and he toured Europe, eventually settling in London.
• He impressed George III and was largely responsible for the launch of the Royal Academy, of which he became the second president (after Sir Joshua Reynolds).
• He was appointed historical painter to the court and Surveyor of the King's Pictures.
• West was elected President of the Royal Academy on the death of Reynolds in 1792.
• He resigned in 1805, to be replaced by a fierce rival, architect James Wyatt.
• However West was again elected president the following year, and served until his death.
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