The Damsel and Orlando

Benjamin West

Created:
Movement:
1793
Neoclassicism
key Notes:
Romantic heroism, Neoclassical drama
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Dimensions:
36 x 28 in. (91.4 x 71.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

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The Damsel and Orlando by Benjamin West

The Damsel and Orlando, painted by Benjamin West in 1793, is an exemplary work of the Neoclassical style, executed in oil on canvas. West, an American-born artist, was a pivotal figure in the development of historical painting in the 18th century, and he served as the second president of the Royal Academy in London. This painting reflects West's adeptness at narrative composition, a skill that earned him significant acclaim during his career. The work is notable for its dramatic portrayal of literary themes, a common subject in West's oeuvre, which often drew from classical and contemporary sources. West's influence extended beyond his paintings, as he played a crucial role in mentoring a generation of artists, including John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart. His contributions to art were instrumental in bridging American and European artistic traditions during a transformative period in art history.

Description of the work:

The Damsel and Orlando by Benjamin West

Created in 1793, "The Damsel and Orlando" by Benjamin West is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the neoclassical style, characterized by its emphasis on clarity, order, and idealized forms. The artwork depicts a scene from Ludovico Ariosto's epic poem "Orlando Furioso," showcasing West's skill in narrative composition and his adept use of oil paints to achieve rich textures and vibrant colors.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Damsel and Orlando