American Adversaries charts the rise and spectacular success of contemporary history painting in the 18th century through the lives and experiences of two colonial American innovators: Benjamin West (1738–1820) and John Singleton Copley (1738–1815). This major exhibition is the first to offer a revealing look at their ambitious, competitive, and highly successful lives.
West and Copley—initially friends but eventually bitter rivals—created theatrical paintings that romanticized current events and captured the imaginations of the public. At the core of the exhibition are two works that catapulted these artists to international fame: West’s The Death of General Wolfe and Copley’s Watson and the Shark. These paintings have not been presented together in more than 60 years and never before in this context.
The two key paintings are joined by works of art from all over the Atlantic World, providing greater perspective and meaning. American Adversaries: West and Copley in a Transatlantic World comprises oil paintings, works on paper, sculptures, and artifacts. Among the other artists represented are George Romney, Gilbert Stuart, and John Trumbull.