- 222
Benjamin West, P.R.A.
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Benjamin West, P.R.A.
- Hector Taking Leave of Andromache
- Pen and brown ink;inscribed lower right: B West
- 102 by 98 mm; 4 by 3 7/8 in
Provenance
Sale, New York, Christie's, 9 January 1991, lot 33;
where acquired by the present owner
where acquired by the present owner
Catalogue Note
West has taken his subject, which is sometimes referred to as the Fright of Astyanax, from Homer's Iliad. Hector, the great Trojan hero, is preparing for battle and the time has come for him to take his leave of his wife, Andromache, and his young son, Astyanax. It has been suggested that the present sheet may be an early exploratory sketch for two paintings of this title, one of which was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1771.1
1. H. von Erffa and A. Staley, The Paintings of Benjamin West, Yale, 1986, pp. 248-249, nos. 163 & 164
1. H. von Erffa and A. Staley, The Paintings of Benjamin West, Yale, 1986, pp. 248-249, nos. 163 & 164