The Death Of General Wolfe Analysis

The painting “The Death of General Wolfe” serves as an artistic response to war by showcasing the tragic death of the war hero, James Wolfe, during the French and Indian war through the depiction of Wolfe’s death, Wolfe’s surrounding, as well as by the setting in which it took place. Wolfe’s death pose shares many similarities between the Lamentation of Christ. By doing so, West conveys a strong message that Wolfe’s death was Christ like. It highlights his death as tragic and saddening but even so, it also emphasizes the pureness and innocence of General Wolfe, all of which showcase his admirable qualities. In a way, it transforms Wolfe from a simple war hero to a Martyr for The French and Indian War. Though his death was tragic, it was not in vain. Just like how Jesus died for the salvation of mankind, Wolfe died for the advancement of the British position in North America making his cause worthwhile. The saintly
Even the Native American, who should stick out like a sore thumb, is hidden from our view. I believe the artist was successfully able to do this through the usage of gaze through other peoples’ eyes. As you can see, everyone in the crowd is looking at General Wolfe. Further analysis of this crowd shows that they all have different uniforms on, signaling their different ranks among the army. Despite this difference they all have on thing in common, and that is the expression of concern for General Wolfe. By including all of these elements, West continues to dramatize the death of General Wolfe. By doing so, it furthermore emphasizes the importance of General Wolfe’s death. Their sadden deposition again puts much more notion on the worthy motive in which Wolfe died for. In a way, it makes the viewers sympathetic towards the General and that he should be commemorate for his