The Life, Studies, and Works of Benjamin West, Esq. Composed from Materials Furnished by Himself

From the bustling streets of colonial Philadelphia to the quiet studios of a young prodigy, this memoir follows the formative years of a self‑taught painter who would later shape the world of art. Written from the artist’s own papers, it blends family recollections, anecdotes about Quaker mentors, and vivid scenes of early experiments with colour and perspective. Readers glimpse the moment when indigenous friends present him with primary pigments, the first shaky sketches that hint at a prodigious eye, and the supportive, sometimes eccentric, circles that encouraged his ambition.

The narrative then tracks his restless journey beyond the American colonies, detailing a lively stint in New York where he confronts the limitations of local talent and refines his technique through daring experiments with candle‑light effects. A chance encounter with a traveling engraver and a daring venture into historical portraiture push him toward a decisive voyage to Italy, promising wider horizons and deeper study. Along the way, brief episodes of militia service and curious investigations—like the hunt for ancient bones—add a flavor of adventurous spirit to his artistic drive.