The Death of General Wolfe
Benjamin West · 1770
Why it's great
A British general dies on the battlefield after winning the Battle of Quebec in 1759, as officers gather around him like figures in a religious painting. Benjamin West dressed the scene in contemporary clothes, which was bold at the time. The painting was a sensation in London. It changed how history painting was done.
🏛️ Part of history
The Seven Years' War & the End of New France (1754–1763) — General Wolfe dies at the moment of victory on the Plains of Abraham outside Quebec City in 1759, and West painted the scene in the clothes of his own day instead of Roman togas.
Where to see it
📍 National Gallery of CanadaOttawa, Canada
Open in Maps ↗ About this museum →Hang it on your wall
Three places to look for a print of this painting, from budget to museum-grade:
These links open search results on each shop's own website; we don't sell anything or earn a commission, and print quality varies by seller. Ask a grown-up before you buy anything.
Benjamin West was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and moved to Europe in his twenties. He settled in London, where he became the history painter to King George III and later President of the Royal Academy. He taught many American painters. He died in London in 1820.
