Page Boy Asleep 

Benjamin West, in this undated ink sketch, captures a moment of quiet vulnerability with "Page Boy Asleep." West was an American-born artist who achieved great success in England. He became president of the Royal Academy, an institution which played a crucial role in defining and regulating artistic taste in Britain. Here, West pictures a young page boy seated and slumbering in his uniform. The informality and intimacy of the scene are striking. At the time, child labor was common. Upper-class families would employ young boys and girls as domestic servants. We might wonder, then, about the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shape artistic production. Does the work invite empathy for the boy? How does West, who later became known for grand historical paintings, represent the laboring classes? To fully understand West’s work, we can consult sources such as letters, diaries, and Royal Academy records. These sources will provide insights into the social and institutional contexts that shaped his vision.