The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Weir, Robert Walter

WEIR, Robert Walter, American artist: b. New Rochelle. N. Y., 18 June 1803; d. New York, 1 May 1889. After studying under Jarvis he began portrait painting in 1821 and then studied in Florence under Benvenuti, 1821-28. In 1829 he became a National Academician and was professor of drawing at West Point 1837-79. He was of especial prominence as a historical painter and among his works are the &lsquo;Embarkation of the Pilgrims&rsquo; (1845) in the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington; the &lsquo;Church of the Holy Innocents&rsquo; (1847), Corcoran Art Gallery, Washington; and &lsquo;Peace and War,&rsquo; painted for the chapel at West Point