Raphael Lamar West
1769-1850
The Forest God
6 3/8 x 8 5/8 inches (168 x 219 mm)
Pen and brown ink, on oatmeal paper.
1970.11:68
Purchased as the gift of Mrs. Robert H. Charles.
Notes
Watermark: 1805.
This drawing, as well as 1970.11:67, was probably inspired by Raphael West's sojourn in America from 1799-1802. A poem and notes jotted down in West's sketchbook of 1799-1800, at the Rutgers University Library, reveals a fascination with the idea of a "Forest God." Below a poem about a "Forest God" is jotted, "The Savages of North America believe in a Great Spirit inhabiting their Forrests." The drawing can be related to a lithograph of the same subject, signed and dated "R.L. West. 1802," at the British Museum, London.
This drawing, as well as 1970.11:67, was probably inspired by Raphael West's sojourn in America from 1799-1802. A poem and notes jotted down in West's sketchbook of 1799-1800, at the Rutgers University Library, reveals a fascination with the idea of a "Forest God." Below a poem about a "Forest God" is jotted, "The Savages of North America believe in a Great Spirit inhabiting their Forrests." The drawing can be related to a lithograph of the same subject, signed and dated "R.L. West. 1802," at the British Museum, London.
Inscriptions/Markings
Inscribed on verso in graphite by a modern hand, "RL West".
Associated names
Margary, Harry, former owner.
Charles, Robert H., Mrs., donor.
Charles, Robert H., Mrs., donor.
Bibliography
Kraemer, Ruth S. Drawings by Benjamin West and his son Raphael Lamar West. New York : Pierpont Morgan Library, 1975, no. 264.
Artist
Classification
Century Drawings
School
Catalog link
Department