The Death of General Wolfe
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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. The flag makes a cross with the outstretched arms of the men on the left. It resembles the painting of La Pieta, the Christ who is being taken down.
The depiction of the Native American in the painting has been analyzed in various ways. Some consider it an idealization inspired by the noble savage concept (Fryd, 75).
Wolfe's death and the portrayal of that event by Benjamin West make up half of Simon Schama's historical novel, Dead Certainties: Unwarranted Speculations (1991).
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 breaches, and a white shirt. Such dress was rather simple, especially for a commanding officer.
The inclusion of a Fraser's Highlander (behind the Rogers' Ranger, who is wearing green) is interesting, as General Wolfe had always spoken highly of the regiment, yet it was unlikely that one was near him when he was shot. In the painting, the Fraser's Highlander wears the Fraser tartan, although it is unknown when, or even if, they switched from the government sett or Black Watch tartan.
The Death of General Wolfe is currently in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada.
References
- 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.Stable URL: http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=1073-9300%28199521%299%3A1%3C72%3ARTIIBW%3E2.0.CO%3B2-J
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