Benjamin West: High Art Enters America

• The Death of General Wolfe 1770;

  • First ìgrand history paintingî in the Americas
  • Freely quoted prior historical / religious themes & styles
  • Traditionally sets heroic events in heroic scale, but changed tradition by maintaining contemporary setting and clothing

Precursors: Van Dyckís Deposition and Rubenís Descent from, the Cross

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