Study for the Death of a Knight 

Benjamin West drew this Study for the Death of a Knight sometime between 1738 and 1820. It’s a pen-and-ink sketch, depicting the aftermath of a battle, and gives us an insight into how history painting was evolving in Europe. West, an American who found fame in London, became known for his large-scale history paintings that often depicted dramatic or morally instructive scenes from the past. But how did artists decide which historical events were worthy of portrayal? Institutions like the Royal Academy played a huge role, shaping artistic taste and dictating what was considered 'high art.' This study, with its focus on the fallen hero, hints at the growing interest in individual heroism and sacrifice, themes that resonated with the political and social upheavals of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Historical research helps us understand how artists like West responded to the changing world around them, using art to comment on the values and ideals of their time.