Dr. Samuel Boude

1746–1759

Self-taught portraitist in Pennsylvania

A self-taught painter, West works in Pennsylvania from 1746 to 1759, mostly painting portraits; the artisan painter William Williams gives him further training. The decisive moment, by his own account, was a childhood portrait of his little sister Sally: his mother recognised her and kissed him — “My mother's kiss made me a painter”.

1756

Patron: provost William Smith

After seeing the painting in Henry's house (other accounts say in West's own), the Anglican clergyman William Smith, provost of the College of Philadelphia, decides to become West's patron: he offers him an education and, more importantly, connections with wealthy and politically connected Pennsylvanians.

1756

In Philadelphia: meets John Wollaston

Having gone to Philadelphia to study painting, West meets John Wollaston, a painter who had immigrated from London: he learns his technique for the shimmer of silk and satin and adopts some of his mannerisms, notably the large almond-shaped eyes that clients found very chic.

1756

Death of his mother, Sarah Pearson

West's mother, Sarah Pearson (1697–1756), dies; Benjamin was the tenth of her children.