The Death of General James Wolfe (1727-1759)

Benjamin West PRA (Swarthmore 1738 - London 1820). Oil painting on canvas, The Death of General James Wolfe (1727-1759) by Benjamin West PRA (Swarthmore 1738 - London 1820), signed and dated: bottom left: B. West 1779. Scene of battle in background, and harbour on right with frigates at anchor. Dark grey overcast sky on right, lighter clouds on left. Figures in foreground around Wolfe in brilliant red, green or blue uniforms - colours very brilliant. Blue, pink and grey standard above Wolfe's head. This wholy imaginary scene depicts the following characters: the surgeon Robert Adair holds a handkerchief to Wolfe's heart, supporting Wolfe on the other side are Captain Sir Hervey Smythe, 3rd Bt (1734-1811) an ADC and Colonel Williamson, holding the flag is Lieutenant Henry Browne, The group on the left, from left to right, are Sir William Howe, later 5th Viscount Howe, Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Fraser, Master of Loval, Captain Debbieg, Brigadier Robert Monckton and Colonel Napier. On the right stands one of Wolfe's servants and a grenadier. The pensive Indian is totally imaginary. General Wolfe died in 1759 on the Heights of Abraham at the battle which resulted in the capture of Quebec and consequently of Canada from the French. This painting, executed in 1779, was one of several versions which still exist and imposes a classical composition on figures in contemporary dress. Wolfe was a friend of the Hervey family and an intimate of Lepel, Lady Mulgrave (1722-80). His ADC, Captain Hervey Smyth, shown in the picture to the left of the dying man, was a son of Louisa Smyth, daughter of the 1st Earl of Bristol. Ickworth, Suffolk (Accredited Museum)