BEN WEST

Benjamin West was born in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania on October 10, 1738 and died in London England on March 11, 1820. He was an American painter of historical scenes most notably during the Revolutionary War and the aftermath. From 1746 to 1759, West worked in PA painting portraits West was a close friend of Benjamin Franklin, whose portrait he painted. In 1763, West moved to England, where he was commissioned by King George III to create portraits of members of the royal family.