Study for the Head of Christ ink drawing, 1783
Permanent ID:
12929Call number:
3149Date:
1783Image Description:
This drawing is a study executed in ink depicting a close up of the face of Jesus during the Resurrection. The image is a part of a larger triptych that Benjamin West designed for the East Window of St. George's Chapel of Windsor Castle. West recieved multiple commisions from George III to design the windows of the chapel during its restoration from 1779 to 1801. Thomas Jervis (sometimes spelled Jervais or Jarvis) was an Irish glass painter who, along with Charles Forrest, executed the windows. The East Window was removed in 1862 and subsequently lost.This drawing is one of a small collection of drawings created by American-born artist Benjamin West (1738-1820) during his career in London (circa 1765-circa 1819).
Inscription:
Study for the head of Christ, in the caroon of the Resurrection, painted on glass by Jervis for St. George's Chapel - WindsorBenjamin West [title, subtitle, and artist's signature in ink] (Verso)
307 Study for the Head of Christ, in the Cartoon of the Resurrection, painted on glass by Jervis for St. George's Chapel, Windsor, 7in. by 4 3/4in., pen-and-ink within brown two-line border, on thick paper mount, 30/-
s.b. & f., d. 1783
The artist's wonderful powers in the portrayal of a religious idea, are manifest in the nobly shaped head and glorified countenance upturned with an expression of triumph and holy peace.
[printed label] (Verso)
B. West 1783 (Recto lower right)