Benjamin West (1738-1821) making his first sketch, after F. Matthew Ward(1816-1879)
James Carter (London 1798 - London 1855)
Category
Art / Prints
Date
1850
Materials
paper
Measurements
435 x 555 mm
Order this imageCollection
Polesden Lacey, Surrey
NT 1247213
Summary
A engraving by James Carter (1798-1855) after F M Ward, of Benjamin West.
Full description
Wearing a 18 century frock coat a young Ben kneels by a cradle and, using a quill pen, sketches a sleeping child. The country house is comfortable with a rug on the floor, a large book by the window, a table piled with food, an hourglass, bow, mirror and a peacock fan on the floor. Through the door is a rural landscape. Ben was the son of an American innkeeper. He studied art in Rome then went to England where he became a painter for George III and later succeeded Joshua Reynolds as president of the Royal Academy. Location of the original is unknown. Ward's son, Sir Leslie, is better known as the cartoonist 'Spy'. There are several of his pieces in the collection at Polesden Lacey.
Marks and inscriptions
Signed and dated in print: F.M. Ward / 1850 Printed on front: M. Ward / J. Carter
Makers and roles
James Carter (London 1798 - London 1855), engraver (printmaker) F. M. Ward, original artist Thomas Agnew & Sons Ltd, publisher