"Lady Reading" or "Faith"
Permanent ID:
12943Date:
1784Image Description:
This small ink drawing depicts a classical, seated female figure with a chalice in her left, looking down at a book in her right, against a blue background. The book and chalice match allegorical depictions of Faith in Christian iconography.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:
Benjamin West [artist's signature in ink] (Verso)284 Lady Reading : a Study, 5 3/4 in. by 4 1/4 in., pen-and-ink, on a slate blue ground, mounted, 7/6 s. b.
[printed label] (Verso)
B. West
1784 (Recto lower left)
Dimensions:
Width: 11 cm, Height: 14.5 cm (image)Width: 27 cm, Height: 30.5 cm (frame)