Benjamin West

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Benjamin West
1738-1820
Study for the Figure of Achilles
Black chalk on paper.
9 5/8 x 7 5/16 inches (245 x 187 mm)
Purchased as the gift of Mrs. Robert H. Charles.
1970.11:59
Notes: 

Watermark: G R 1804.
Preparatory sketch for the figure of Achilles in two oil sketches and one painting of "Thetis Bringing the Armor to Achilles." One of the oil sketches is at the New-York Historical Society, signed and dated 1805, the other oil sketch is at Vassar College Art Gallery. The painting, signed and dated 1806, is located at the New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, Connecticut.

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: 

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. 75, repr.

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