Studies for the Ascension: Christ ascending (recto); Studies of heads (verso)

Details

Benjamin West, P.R.A. (Pennsylvania 1738-1820 London)
Studies for the Ascension: Christ ascending (recto); Studies of heads (verso)
black and white chalk, on grey paper
10 x 7¼ in. (254 x 190 mm.)

Provenance

The artist's family, and by descent to
Mrs P. Howard; Sotheby's, London, 22 March 1979, lot 33.

Literature

H. von Erffa and A. Staley, The Paintings of Benjamin West, New Haven and London, 1986, no. 380, note 6, p. 376.

Sale room notice

Please note that this lot is being sold with no reserve.

Lot Essay

Painted for the Chapel of Revealed Religion that King George III planned to build at Windsor, The Ascension was to have been the dominant painting on the wall of New Testament subjects. When plans for the Chapel fell through, the painting remained in West's possession and was displayed as part of his posthumous exhibition. Sold as part of West's studio sale in 1829, it was presented to Harrow School, where it remained until 1854. It is now in the gallery of the Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina. A monochrome sketch for the painting, which also remained in the possession of West's family after his death, is now in the collection of the Tate.

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