- Why was benjamin west important. Growing up, West showed talent for painting and moved to Philadelphia to further his education. Benjamin West, American-born painter of historical, religious, and mythological subjects who had a profound influence on the development of historical painting in Britain. Benjamin West was born on Oct. Benjamin West made his reputation in England as the official painter to King George III. West is most known for his large-scale historical paintings and as one of the founders and second president of the prestigious Royal Academy of Art in London, England. West was the first American artist who was able to gain international fame from his classical, high style, large-scale, historic paintings in oil on canvas. Although his subjects and style were somewhat Benjamin West Born Springfield, Penn. Born in 1738 in Pennsylvania, West displayed exceptional artistic talent from a young age, eventually becoming one of the first American artists to achieve international acclaim. He is best known for his role in the Neoclassicism movement, which emphasized classical themes and grandeur in art. West's innovation was soon adopted by other artists, most notably his countryman Copley, and it marks an important turning point in taste. d6w mtyzt w99 1yg mxzfrm8 k1r y2fxzn jtljtav mub 0ac3trs
