Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasseh 1768

Benjamin West painted "Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasseh," an oil on canvas of considerable size, which now hangs here at the Allen Memorial Art Museum. West was an American-born artist who found great success in England, eventually becoming president of the Royal Academy. The painting depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, where Jacob blesses his grandsons, but in a departure from tradition, he gives the greater blessing to the younger Ephraim. What does it mean to disrupt established hierarchies? Perhaps it speaks to the shifting societal structures of West's time, as the Enlightenment challenged traditional forms of authority. Notice the emotional intensity of the scene, the way West captures the intimate family dynamics. But consider also the politics inherent in representations of power and inheritance. West asks us to think about how blessings—or opportunities—are distributed, and who gets to decide. The painting captures a personal moment, but it also illuminates larger questions about legacy, preference, and the future.