Breech Light
The Death of General Wolfe
The Death of General Wolfe
Artist
Benjamin West
Year
1771
Type
Oil on canvas
Location
National Gallery of Canada,
Ottawa
The Death of General Wolfe is a well-known 1771 painting by Anglo-American artist Benjamin West depicting the final moments of British General James Wolfe during the 1759 Battle of Quebec of the Seven Years’ War. It is an oil on canvas of the Neoclassical period. West made an additional and nearly identical painting of the same scene for King George III in 1771.
West depicts General Wolfe as a Christ-like figure. This painting has a triangular composition, made by the top of the flag (as the apex) and the positions of the men. It resembles the painting of La Piet, where Christ is held in the embrace of the Virgin Mary.
The depiction of the Native American warrior in the painting kneeling with his chin on his fist, looking at General Wolfe has been analyzed in various ways. In art, the touching of one’s face with one’s hand is a sign of deep thought and intelligence (thus Rodin’s The Thinker). Some consider it an idealization inspired by the noble savage concept (Fryd, 75). On the ground in front of Wolfe is his musket, his cartridge box, and bayonet. Wolfe went into battle armed as his men were, although his musket was of higher quality. His dress is also of note. He is wearing a fairly simple red coat, a red waistcoat, red breeches, and a white shirt. Such dress was rather simple, especially for a commanding officer. The inclusion of Simon Fraser, Lieutenant Colonel of the 78th Fraser Highlanders (behind the Rogers Ranger, who is wearing green) is interesting, as General Wolfe had always spoken highly of Fraser’s regiment, yet Fraser was not at the battle, as he was recovering from wounds received earlier. In the painting, Fraser wears the Fraser tartan, which was probably worn by officers in that regiment. All in all only four of the fourteen men depicted were actually at the battleground.
The clothing West depicted in this scene was highly controversial at the time. Although the event was relatively recent — only eleven years prior — its subject matter made it a fitting example of the genre of history painting, for which contemporary dress was unsuitable. During the painting, several influential people, including Sir Joshua Reynolds, instructed him to dress the figures in classical attire, and after its completion, George III refused to purchase it because the clothing compromised the dignity of the event. The work, however, eventually overcame all objections and helped inaugurate more historically accurate practice in history painting.
William Woollett’s engraving was the most well known copy of West’s original and became popular around the world
The Death of General Wolfe is currently in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal Ontario Museum, as well as the Clements Library at the University of Michigan. There are five known portraits by the author. Wolfe’s death and the portrayal of that event by Benjamin West make up half of Simon Schama’s historical work Dead Certainties: Unwarranted Speculations (1991).
See also
Great Britain in the Seven Years War
Notes
^ Montagna, 80.
^ New Brunswick Museum
References
Ayers, William, ed., Picturing History: American Painting 1770-1903, ISBN 0-8478-1745-8
Fryd, Vivien Green. “Rereading the Indian in Benjamin West’s ‘Death of General Wolfe.’” American Art, Vol. 9, No. 1. (Spring, 1995), pp. 72-85. Online document from Jstor
Montagna, Dennis. “Benjamin West’s The Death of General Wolfe: A Nationalist Narrative,” American Art Journal (Volume 13, Number 2, 1981): 7288.
Categories: 1770 paintings | French and Indian War | New France | Paintings depicting death | War art | Collections of the National Gallery of Canada
About the Author
I am a professional editor from
China Manufacturers
, and my work is to promote a free online trade platform.
http://www.cheaponsale.com/ contain a great deal of information about
hydroponic grow lights
,
oil lamp burner
welcome to visit!
IGN Breach Xbox 360 Gameplay
|
|
Tailored Sportsman breeches riding pants light tan 28 $20.19 |
|
|
24 NWT JPC TuffRider Cotton Pull On Breeches Velcro Bottom Light Tan 10001-01 $31.96 |
|
|
24 NWT JPC Ladies TuffRider Cotton LowRise Riding Pull-On Breech Light Tan $31.96 |
|
|
WOMENS BREECHES KERRITS SIT TIGHT LIGHT SZ LARGE FULL SEAT RIDING $30.00 |
|
|
Ariat English Breeches Womens Performer SZ 22 Reg Light Beige 10007307 $119.95 |
|
|
Ariat English Breeches Womens Performer 34 Long Light Beige 10007115 $119.95 |
|
|
Ariat English Breeches Womens Performer SZ 36 Reg Light Beige 10007307 $119.95 |
|
|
EQUINE COUTURE Heritage Schooling Breeches Light Tan Size 26 $47.95 |
|
|
EQUINE COUTURE Heritage Schooling Breeches Light Tan Size 32 $47.95 |
|
|
Vintage Photo Men Boots Breeches Suit Tie Light Exposure Gay Int $4.00 |
|
|
Men Dark Brown 4 Pocket Hunting Coat and Stylish Light Brown Breeches $180.00 |
|
|
Ladies English Riding Breeches Size 26R Light Beige Equestrian Riding Pant $42.00 |
|
|
FITS BEKA KNEEPATCH BREECH LIGHT TAN AND DURATOUGH FUNGI FREE SHIPPING! $99.00 |
|
|
FITS BEKA KNEEPATCH BREECH LIGHT TAN AND DURATOUGH FUNGI FREE SHIPPING! $99.00 |
|
|
FITS BEKA KNEEPATCH BREECH LIGHT TAN AND DURATOUGH FUNGI FREE SHIPPING! $99.00 |
|
|
FITS BEKA KNEEPATCH BREECH LIGHT TAN AND DURATOUGH FUNGI FREE SHIPPING! $99.00 |
|
|
FITS BEKA KNEEPATCH BREECH LIGHT TAN AND DURATOUGH FUNGI FREE SHIPPING! $99.00 |
|
|
USSR CCCP SOVIET UNION ARMY INFANTRY OFFICER WWII BREECHES LIGHT WEIGHT WOOL $38.99 |
|
|
Ladies Ashley Breeches Light Beige Size 30 Long New with Tags!!! $35.50 |
|
|
TUFF RIDER Ribb Low Rise wide waistband Full Seat Breeches Light Tan 34 $54.95 |
|
|
KERRITS SIT TIGHT AND LIGHT FULL SEAT BREECHES MED $60.00 |
|
|
Light Purple DUTCHMAN”S BREECHES Beaded Flowers Glass Beads Build A Bouquet! $35.00 |
|
|
On Course Euro Seat Breeches Ladies 24 R Light Tan New $23.00 |
|
|
Ariat English Breeches Girls Kids Heritage SZ 14 Light Beige 10007214 $69.95 |
|
|
Ariat English Breeches Girls Kids Heritage SZ 16 Light Beige 10007214 $69.95 |
|
|
Tough-1 Child’s Breeches with Clarino Knee LIGHT TAN $42.50 |
|
|
Tough-1 Child’s Breeches with Self Knee LIGHT TAN $39.99 |
|
|
Tough-1 Child’s Pull On Breeches LIGHT TAN $39.99 |
|
|
Children’s Riding Pants w/ Horse Head Emb: $25 off! $19.99 |
|
|
TUFFRIDER Perfect Fit Knee Patch Breeches – Tan & Black $25.00 |
|
|
TUFFRIDER Perfect Fit Knee Patch Breeches – Tan & Black $25.00 |
|
|
TUFFRIDER Perfect Fit Knee Patch Breeches – Tan & Black $25.00 |
|
|
TUFFRIDER Perfect Fit Knee Patch Breeches – Tan & Black $25.00 |
|
|
TUFFRIDER Perfect Fit Knee Patch Breeches – Tan & Black $25.00 |
|
|
Ariat English Breeches Womens Performer 26 Reg Light Beige 10007115 $119.95 |
|
|
BINZII Men’s Knitted Cotton Sport Breeches 100% knitted cotton makes this piece a uniquely soft and comfy choice while being durable and long lasting.Features classic side zipper and back pockets, rib leg opening, size adjustable drawstring and stretchy waistline, and cool & comfortable inner lining. Get ready to take yourself to the beach and enjoy the best pair of shorts you’ve ever worn. Great for occasions where you’ll be outdoors, nea… |
|
|
Ariat English Breeches Girls Kids Heritage SZ Light Beige 10007214 $69.95 Girls Ariat Breeches: Kids Ariat English Breeches 4 Way Stretch Cotton Twill, Patented V3 Fit System In Waist, CFS (Calf Fit System), Synthetic Knee Patch. Childrens English Breeches. Grandma Bait -Get Hooked 10007214… |
|
|
Ariat English Breeches Girls Kids Performer FZ Light Beige 10007208 $89.95 Girls Ariat Breeches: Kids Ariat English Breeches 4 Way Stretch Nylon And Cotton Twill, Patented V3 Fit System In Waist, CFS (Calf Fit System), Synthetic Suede Knee Patch. Childrens English Breeches. Grandma Bait -Get Hooked 10007208… |
|
|
TUFFRIDER Starter Lowrise Pull On Jodhpurs Child Breech $24.95 JPC Tuffrider Pull On Starter Lowrise Pull On Jodhpurs Child Breech… |
|
|
Ladies TuffRider Ribb LowRise Pull-On Riding Breeches $34.95 The TuffRider Ribb Pull-Ons are a fashion statement with their Low Rise which sits lower on the waist. Made in a knitted 92% polyester, 8% spandex fabric, Velcro bottoms, belt loops and washable UltraGripp knee patches complete the package. Color: black, light tan or taupe. Ladies sizes 24-34, regular (inseam 29”)…. |
|
|
Ladies TuffRider Ribb Knee Patch Riding Breeches $49.95 Stay cool and dry with the TuffRider Ribbed Breech. Durability, comfort and a fabulous fit come together in this specially knit Ribb fabric, 92% polyester, and 8% spandex, the perfect breech for warm weather riding. The TuffRider Ribb LowRISE breech is made of a great 4-way stretch fabric that is breathable and draws moisture away from the body. These breeches feature a tear drop zipper pull pocke… |
|
|
Breach of Trust (Call of Duty Series, Book 1) $3.22 2010 Christy Award winner! 2010 Inspirational Readers Choice Award winner!Paige Rogers is a former CIA agent who lost all she treasured seven years ago when her entire team was killed in a covert mission. She blames their leaderâDaniel Kearyâwhom Paige believes betrayed them. Disillusioned and afraid for her life, she disappeared and started a new life as a small-town librarian. But when… |
|
|
Tortured $4.34 Ensnared in the war-torn, untamed Dark Ages of North England, Sierra understands all too well what it takes to survive: the ability to numb the soul. She has learned this lesson the hard way, watching her mother die at the hands of the king’s henchmen, her brother cast out into the cold to perish, and discovering the treacherous, leering king holds a crucial secret about her past.But when he grant… |