The artwork, titled “The Death of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker’s Hill, June 17, 1775,” was created by John Trumbull in 1786. An example of the Neoclassicism art movement, this oil painting, with dimensions of 50.16 cm by 75.56 cm, is a history painting currently housed at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The artwork meticulously dramatizes the tragic final moments of General Warren at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War. The scene is densely populated with soldiers engaged in intense combat, their expressions and movements conveying the chaos and ferocity of battle. Central to the composition is the figure of General Warren, depicted in the throes of death, surrounded by fellow soldiers—some in grief and some staunchly continuing the fight. The juxtaposition of the tumultuous background and the poignant central figures brings forth a stark contrast, highlighting the gravity and sacrifice of the historical event. The use of light and shadow, along with the detailed rendering of uniforms and expressions, underscores Trumbull’s adherence to Neoclassical principles while imbuing the scene with a powerful emotional narrative.
