Study for "Penn's Treaty with the Indians"
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1915-13-1
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Benjamin West's *Study for "Penn's Treaty with the Indians"* (1771–1772) offers a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the artist's most celebrated history paintings. Born in Pennsylvania in 1738, West a leading figure in British art after moving to London, where he championed Neoclassicism and served as President of the Royal. This preparatory work, classified as focusing on figures, likely explores poses and compositions for the grand canvas depicting William Penn's historic 1682 treaty with the Lenape (Delaware) people. The subject celebrates Quaker ideals of peace and mutual re...