Plan your visit. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Plan your visit. 225 Madison Avenue at 36th Street, New York, NY 10016.

Allegory of Britannia. Verso: Sketch for the same composition

Benjamin West
1738-1820

Allegory of Britannia. Verso: Sketch for the same composition

5 5/8 x 5 5/8 inches (144 x 143 mm)
Pen and brown ink on paper.
1970.11:177

Purchased as the gift of Mrs. Robert H. Charles.

Notes
The drawing shows the principle figure of Britannia flanked by Religion and Justice, with Christ appearing in the clouds above. The sketch on the verso may be connected to West's 1812 portrait of John Eardley Wilmot, the Commissioner appointed to adjust the claims of the Loyalists. In the background of the portrait, hanging on the wall, is an allegorical picture of Britannia as protectress of the Loyalists.
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. 93, repr.
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Department