America / 1791
British Manufactory; A Sketch
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs British Manufactory; A Sketch as painting (America · 1791).
Benjamin West was the first American artist to attain international fame.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as oil on paper mounted on wood and credits Benjamin West (American, born The Thirteen Colonies, 1738–1820).
The museum's collection notes: As part of his work for the British court, Benjamin West produced several compositions celebrating the strength of the nation's economy. In this example, women in classical costumes paint vases, spin, and weave—a comparison of British manufacturing with the accomplishments of antiquity. One of a series of nine related sketches, this design was copied as a large mural decorating the Queen's Lodge at Windsor Castle, a room eliminated by remodeling in 1823.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtBritish Manufactory; A SketchOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.