Was Benjamin West astronomer a loyalist?

Answer 1

Benjamin West, the American painter and not an astronomer, was considered a loyalist during the American Revolution. Although he lived in Britain for much of his life and maintained connections with British royalty, his loyalty was more nuanced; he did not actively support British military efforts against the colonies. West's status as a loyalist stemmed from his ties to the British art community and his reluctance to engage in the political turmoil of his time.