Following a loss of royal patronage at the beginning of the 19th century, West began a series of large-scale religious works. The first, "Christ Healing the Sick" was originally intended as a gift to Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia; instead he sold it to the British Institution for £3,000, which in turn presented it to the National Gallery. West then made a copy to send to Philadelphia. The success of the picture led him to paint a series of even larger works, including his "Death on the Pale Horse", exhibited in 1817.