Benjamin West, P.R.A. 1738-1820

The medium is strong and fresh. The canvas has been relined. Overall the condition is good.
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NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present work is a preparatory oil sketch for a painting that was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1798, no. 232, entitled The Woman clothed with the sun fleeth (sic) from the persecution of the dragon (untraced). This painting was one of four works commissioned by William Beckford depicting scenes from the Book of Revelations. The project is referred to by Joseph Farington in his diaries dated 8^th December 1798: 'it is understood that West is to proceed painting for Mr Beckford to the amount of £1,000 a year' (J. Farington R.A., The Farington Diary, 1924, vol 1, p.281).  The paintings were to be installed in the so-called 'Revelation Chamber' at Fonthill Abbey, where Beckford planned to place his own tomb.

This sketch illustrates a passage from Revelations XII; 'The woman clothed with the sun and the moon under her feet and upon her head a crown of twelve stars... brought forth a man child... and when the dragon saw that he was cast to earth he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child... and to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle that she might fly to the wilderness.'