The Ascension 1801

Benjamin West’s ‘The Ascension’ is an oil painting, a traditional medium prized for its capacity for luminosity and depth. West has exploited oil paint’s potential to conjure otherworldly effects. Look at the angelic figures, seemingly weightless. Note the faces of the mortals below, with a striking realism achieved through layers of glazing. It takes time and practice to build up these surfaces, with each layer requiring drying time. Yet, the painting's impact isn't just about technical skill. West used fine brushes, made with hairs from squirrels or other animals, each one painstakingly placed in the ferrule by hand and secured with twine. The canvas would need to be prepared with gesso and a ground layer. The pigments themselves were sourced from all over the world. Each of these steps requires specialized knowledge and labor. Paintings like this were often commissioned, a direct transaction between artist and patron. When considering this work, we can also reflect on the social and economic structures that supported its creation, and the artistic choices the artist has made.