19th Century Manuscript Painting of 'The Death of General Wolfe', Benjamin West

This is a sublimely-executed 19th-century painting of Benjamin West's The Death of General Wolfe by an unidentified artist. West's work dramatizes General James Wolfe's death during the 1759 Battle of Quebec during the Seven Years' War (1756 - 1763) just after learning of the British victory. The present study is in a fine, if unknown, hand and rendered so precisely that the brush can only have been a single hair.

West's 'The Death of General Wolfe'

Wolfe appears near the center as a Christ-like martyr figure, and the composition resembles Christian 'Lamentation' scenes. West's work caused controversy when it was first displayed in 1770. At that time, historical paintings typically depicted contemporary heroes in Greco-Roman dress, associating them with mythical demigods. West disregarded convention and depicted Wolfe and the onlookers (only 4 of whom were at the Battle of Quebec) in contemporary dress. King George III, a regular West patron, refused to buy or look at the painting after learning of West's artistic choice. Nonetheless, Londoners lined up for a chance to view the painting at its Royal Academy debut. Everyone wanted to know why the King had refused to buy one of his favorite artists' newest works. Upon its unveiling, even London's harshest critics were moved by the works 'specifically British martyrdom'. King George III ultimately relented and commissioned one of 4 copies West made and appointed West his official court history painter.