Sketch for ‘St Paul Shaking off the Viper’ 1786

Editor: Here we have Benjamin West’s large sketch for ‘St Paul Shaking off the Viper.’ It feels very dramatic, with lots of figures in motion. What can you tell me about the social context of this piece? Curator: West aimed to create history paintings that elevated religious subjects to the level of classical narratives. The ambitious scale and theatrical composition were intended to resonate with a broad public audience, affirming the power of faith. How does the scale influence your understanding? Editor: I suppose the size makes it seem more important, more…official? I didn't really think of it that way at first. Curator: Exactly! And consider where such a painting might be displayed: a grand church, perhaps, reinforcing institutional authority. It's a fascinating example of art serving a socio-political purpose. Editor: That's really interesting. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure! It’s always rewarding to examine the multiple layers of meaning within a work.