Agrippina with her Child going through the Roman Camp, when in a state of mutiny


Permanent ID:
12972
Image Description:
This pen drawing depicts the story of Agrippina and her son Caligula attempting to leave a Roman camp in the midst of a mutiny. Agrippina is standing towards the middle-right of the composition with a line of maids following her leading off the right side of the page. Soldiers to the left kneel and cower away from Agrippina. Faint lines in the background indicate the camp and soldiers clamoring. The date of the drawing is unknown and West portrayed multiple depictions of Agrippina throughout his career. This could be a study for an etching currently at the Philadelphia Museum of Art dated circa 1785-1800 (Accession Number: 2007-65-14).

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:
Agrippina with her Child going through the Roman Camp, when in a state of mutiny
Benjamin West [title and artist's signature in ink]
(Verso)

251 Agrippina with her Child going through the Roman Camp, when in a state of mutiny, 12 1/2 in. by 9in., pen-and-ink upon a slate grey ground, within frame border of wash and lines in varied colours, cardboard mount, 21/-  s.b.
The mother of Nero, followed by her maids, fearlessly wends her way through the rows of violent soldiery ; most of them are submissive, though some show in their crouched attitudes their hatred, but are compelled to bow in fear.
[printed label]
 
(Verso)
Format:
Pen works
Dimensions:
Width: 23 cm, Height: 32.5 cm (image)
Width: 36.5 cm, Height: 46 cm (frame)
Collection:
Benjamin West Drawings
Related Person or Organization:
Benjamin West, 1730-1813 (artist)