Christ Rejected, Study

Study for "Christ Rejected" is a preparatory drawing by the American-born British artist Benjamin West (1738–1820), renowned for his contributions to history painting in the 18th century. This study served as a precursor to his larger work "Christ Rejected", a scene depicting Christ’s trial before the crowd and Pontius Pilate. The study focuses on the arrangement of figures, lighting, and composition, elements that would later be fully realized in the final version of the painting. As one of the last major works West completed before his death, Christ Rejected represents the culmination of his expertise in historical and religious painting, embodying the emotional intensity and narrative power characteristic of his late career.