Study of Moses Striking the Rock and a Procession [verso]

1778

Benjamin West

Associated Names
Benjamin West

Artist, American, 1738 - 1820

This is a drawing of two separate scenes on a single sheet. On the left side, there is an abstract scene with swirling clouds or waves and indistinct figures. On the right side, there is a more structured scene with figures gathered in an architectural space, possibly a ballroom or hall. Figures are shown in a way that suggests a social or ceremonial occasion. Both sketches are outlined delicately with pencil.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    black chalk on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Avalon Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 30.6 × 50.6 cm (12 1/16 × 19 15/16 in.)
    mount: 45.1 × 61.3 cm (17 3/4 × 24 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1991.90.1.b

Associated Artworks

The image shows a scene with a dynamic composition. The viewer's perspective seems to be from land or a low point near water. The background includes distant ships and smoky clouds. The drawing style is loose and sketch-like with expressive pen strokes. The color scheme is monochromatic, using brown ink on a cream background. The scene includes boats and figures in the water, ships with billowing sails, and smoke or explosions. More ships can be seen in the distance amidst smoke, indicating a busy and potentially combative maritime setting.

Study for The Battle of La Hogue [recto]

Benjamin West

1778

Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

by unknown hand, upper left in black chalk: 20 x 12 1/8 / B; by later hand, lower right in graphite: D29536 HX; by later hand, lower right in green pencil: 67

Wikidata ID

Q64537248

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