West v Copley

[poliphilo]

 I couldn't resist doing this.

West and Copley both painted pictures of the Death of the Earl of Chatham.

The Earl of Chatham- aka Pitt the elder- was the dominant British politician of his age. He suffered a seizure while speaking in the House of Lords- against the American rebels as it happens- and had to be taken home. His actual death occured- in bed- 34 days later but let's not quibble. 

So let's compare the two versions.

Here's West



And here's Copley



Now personally I find the West rather flat and boring and the Copley- with its strong, dramatic lighting and masterly grouping of figures- a tour de force but I'll shut up now and let you make up your own minds.....

Comments

[poliphilo]

I think the guy sitting apart is the speaker of the House of Lords. Or the Lord Chancellor. Or whatever the you call the person who presides over debates. He's in the business of keeping calm and aloof. You can tell he's special because of his extra large wig.