VMFA installs one the most expensive art purchases in its history
“Portrait of Prince William and His Elder Sister,” by Benjamin West, was painted by the noted artist in 1779.
One of the most expensive purchases ever made by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts — a critically acclaimed painting by Benjamin West — has been installed in the McGlothlin American Galleries.
The 1779 work, “Portrait of Prince William and His Elder Sister, Princess Sophia,” is regarded as one of West’s more important works, combining baroque and academic neo-classical styles, says Susie Rawls, associate curator of American painting and the decorative arts.
“It’s not a painting you can take in at one glance,” adds Michael R. Taylor, Chief Curator and Deputy Director for Art and Education.
The painting was acquired at an auction in London and purchased using private funds.
Photo: VMFA
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Trevor Dickerson
Trevor Dickerson loves all things Richmond and manages RVANews’ West of the Boulevard and West End community sites.
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