Download image:
Benjamin West
1738-1820
Head of a Boy
Graphite on paper.
4 7/16 x 4 7/8 inches (112 x 124 mm)
Purchased as the gift of Mrs. Robert H. Charles.
1970.11:73
Download verso image:
Notes:
This drawing may have been in preparation for West's painting, "The Apotheosis of Prince Octavius," 1783. The resemblance of this boy to other depictions of Prince Octavius made by West verifies this suggestion.
Provenance:
Estate of the artist; by descent; Harry Margary, the great-grandson of Maria West (daughter of Raphael Lamar West, and granddaughter of Benjamin West); Thos. Agnew and Sons, Ltd., London; from whom purchased 60 drawings, 17 June 1964, and 197 drawings, 15 February 1965, by M. Knoedler and Co., Inc.; from whom purchased 257 drawings by the Morgan Library in 1970.
Associated names:
Margary, Harry, former owner.
Charles, Robert H., Mrs., donor.
Bibliography:
Kraemer, Ruth S. Drawings by Benjamin West and His Son, Raphael Lamar West. New York : Pierpont Morgan Library, 1975, no. 154, repr.
Catalog link:
Artist page:
School:
Century:
Classification:
Department: