St. Luke ink drawing, 1785
Permanent ID:
4984Date:
1785Image Description:
This drawing portrays St. Luke the Evangelist as a seated figure atop a rock on the right side of the composition facing the left. St. Luke is looking at a scroll in his hand. West depicted the head and shoulders of a bull, the symbol of St. Luke, on the lower left. West signed his name and date on the rock atop which St. Luke sits. The drawing was executed in pen with sepia and blue washes.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:
St. LukeBenjamin West [title and artist's signature in ink] (Verso)
295 St. Luke; a Study, 7 5/8 in. by 8 1/8 in., light brown and blue wash, outlined in pen-and-ink, mounted, 21/- s.b. & f., d. 1785
Sparsely clad and seated upon a rock, the evangelist studies a scroll held in his left hand. To his right in the bottom corner appears the head and shoulders of a bull.
[printed label] (Verso)
B. West 1785 (Recto lower right on drawing)
Format:
Pen works; WashDimensions:
Width: 21 cm, Height: 21 cm (image)Width: 29.5 cm, Height: 31 cm (frame)