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Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

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Benjamin West

The Submission of Prince John to Richard I

c. 1792–94

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Born in Philadelphia, Benjamin West was the first American-born artist to gain international recognition. After traveling in Italy he settled in London, where in 1772 he was named Royal Painter of Historical Scenes by King George III and later helped found the Royal Academy. West specialized in large-scale historical and biblical scenes, often used for instructive purposes, such as this work, which depicts a scene from medieval British history that was painted for the publisher Robert Bowyer, who included an engraving of it in his 1805 illustrated edition of David Hume’s The History of England. In this image Prince John is shown kneeling at the feet of his brother, King Richard I, begging for forgiveness for betraying him during Richard’s imprisonment en route home from the Third Crusade. Their mother, Queen Eleanor, intercedes on John’s behalf, pleading with outstretched arms at left, while a bishop and courtiers look on. The dramatic gestures and the shallow architectural space create a markedly theatrical effect, one influenced in part by West’s study of Renaissance and Baroque works during his early travels in Italy. [Permanent collection label, 2016]

  • Artist Benjamin West (American, 1738–1820)
  • Title The Submission of Prince John to Richard I
  • Date c. 1792–94
  • Medium Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions unframed | 78 1/2 x 60 1/4 in.
  • Credit line University purchase, Bixby Fund
  • Object number WU 2222

Real / Radical / Psychological: The Collection on Display
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Washington University in St. Louis, 09/09/2016 - 01/15/2017

Art in the Age of Revolution
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Washington University in St. Louis, 09/02/1997 - 10/12/1997

Opening Exhibition of Mark C. Steinberg Memorial Hall
Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, Washington University in St. Louis, 04/29/1960

British Institution (regular annual exhibition)
Venue Unknown (London, England)

Inscription Lower left: B. West 79

This artwork record may be incomplete or need refinement. Our staff actively researches the collection and revises records when new information is available. If you have questions or comments about this record, please contact us.

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