Christus zegent de kinderen 1776 - 1781

Benjamin West made this drawing, *Christus zegent de kinderen*, with graphite. The scene depicts Jesus blessing the children. It is an interpretation of a biblical theme that has been revisited throughout the history of art. West was an Anglo-American artist who worked during the late 18th and early 19th century. His work was greatly influential in the development of art institutions in the United States. He was known for his large-scale history paintings, but he also produced many smaller works, such as this drawing. Here, the artist uses line and shadow to create a sense of depth and movement. The figures are grouped around Jesus, who is depicted as a calm and benevolent figure. Art historians like myself will often use primary source material to establish the cultural context in which an artwork was made. By understanding the historical and social forces that shaped West's life and work, we can better understand the meaning and significance of this drawing.