Artwork

West Point, from Phillipstown

West Point, from Phillipstown, by William James Bennett, ink, 1831
West Point, from Phillipstown, by William James Bennett, ink, 1831

West Point, from Phillipstown is an ink print by the Romanticist artist William James Bennett. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

West Point, from Phillipstown is a color aquatint print with engraving touches, hand-colored on wove paper, created by William James Bennett in 1831.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene riverscape with West Point in the distance, identifiable by a white fort on a hill surrounded by trees and fields. The foreground features a pastoral scene with a cow and calf grazing on a rocky slope amidst trees and bushes.

Technique & Style

Bennett employed fine lines and soft, hand-colored hues to achieve a calm and detailed visual effect. The composition balances elements of nature (sky, water, flora, fauna) with human presence (sailing ships, steamboat, fort).

History & Provenance

Created in 1831 by William James Bennett, the print's provenance details are not specified in available information.

Context

The work reflects early 19th-century interest in American landscapes, combining pastoral and industrial elements (sailing vessels and a steamboat) to portray a moment of national growth.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this print are not provided, it contributes to the broader historical record of American printmaking and the documentation of West Point's 19th-century appearance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William James Bennett

Artist

William James Bennett

William James Bennett (1787−1844), was a British-born painter and engraver, active in the United States from 1816.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.