Benjamin West ( 1738 - 1820 ) was a British painter. Benjamin West s works have been put up for auction numerous times, with realized prices surpassing estimated prices, varying from 50194.2 USD for THE CONTINENCE OF SCIPIO; and HECTOR TAKING LEAVE OF ANDROMACHE in 2003 to 722500 USD for The Battle of La Hogue in 2009 , based on the size and medium of the artwork.