Christ in the Wilderness ink drawing, 1810
Permanent ID:
12944Date:
1810Image Description:
This drawing illustrates the New Testament story of Christ following the Holy Spirit into the wilderness where he is tempted by Satan. Benjamin West depicts Christ as a robed figure in the center of the composition looking up at a dove to the upper right of the drawing. A witch with a devil next to her hides to Christ's right while two lions crouch below.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:
Christ in the WildernessBenjamin West [title and artist's signature in ink] (Verso)
258 Christ in the Wilderness, 12 1/2 in. by 8 5/8 in., study in pen-and-ink within frame of gold and wash in various colours, mounted on cardboard, 21/- s. b. & f., d. 1810
Looking upward to the Holy Dove the Saviour walks along oblivious to his surrounding dangers, a witch and evil spirit enveloped by a cloud to His left, and two lions within a cave beneath the path on which He walks.
[printed label] (Verso)
B. West
1810 (Recto lower right)
Format:
Pen worksDimensions:
Width: 22.5 cm, Height: 32 cm (image)Width: 34.5 cm, Height: 44.5 cm (frame)