Who were the prominent American artists that sought to establish their reputations in England during the Colonial period?

The prominent American artists who sought to establish their reputations in England during the Colonial period were Benjamin West and John Copley. Both West and Copley gained significant recognition in England, which was important for their careers as they aimed to achieve status in the competitive art world of the time.

Benjamin West became known for his historical paintings and eventually served as the second president of the Royal Academy in London, reflecting his high standing in the art community. John Copley, noted for his portraiture, also moved to England where he became a successful artist, creating works that captured the essence of American colonial society while adapting to European artistic standards.

Other choices presented do not align with the context of American artists trying to establish themselves in England during this period. Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton were key political figures, while John Singleton Copley and Gilbert Stuart also made significant contributions to American art, but only Copley fits the context of a prominent artist seeking a reputation in England along with West. Paul Revere, known primarily as a silversmith and patriot, and John Adams, a political figure, were not recognized as artists in the same vein as West and Copley.