“The Death of General Wolfe” is a history painting by Benjamin West, created in 1770 using oil on canvas. This work belongs to the Rococo art movement and can be found in the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa.
The artwork depicts the poignant moment of General James Wolfe’s death during the Battle of Quebec in 1759, part of the Seven Years’ War. General Wolfe, centrally positioned and prominently dressed in red, lies mortally wounded, surrounded by his officers and soldiers, symbolizing the sacrificial heroism and mourning at the loss of a leader. The dramatic use of lighting accentuates the figures against the dark and turbulent sky, emphasizing the gravity of the scene unfolding. The flag in the background, slightly draped, hints at the broader conflict and the historical significance of the depicted event. Through meticulous detail and emotional depth, West captures both the personal and collective sorrow of this historic moment.
