Items Similar to "The Death of General Wolfe" Engraving by William Woollett, after Benjamin West
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
"The Death of General Wolfe" Engraving by William Woollett, after Benjamin West
About the Item
Presented is one of the most important historical prints ever published, "The Death of General Wolfe," an engraving by William Woollett, after the painting of the same title by Benjamin West. The engraving was published in London by Woollett, Boydell, and Ryland, on January 1, 1776.
Benjamin West’s oil painting “The Death of General Wolfe” depicts the Battle of Quebec, a pivotal event in the Seven Years' War that decided the fate of France's colonies in North America and signaled Britain's ascendency in North America. The battle was fought between the British and French Armies on the Plains of Abraham, a plateau east of Quebec City, on September 13, 1759. The culmination of a three-month siege by the British, the battle lasted only about an hour. Commanded by Major-General James Wolfe, the British Army defeated the French forces under Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, yet General Wolfe was mortally wounded by several gunshots at the end of battle. To many, the victory in Quebec symbolized the inevitability of global British rule. In a period of heightened patriotism that followed the victorious battle, Wolfe became a national figure of veneration, honored by his King and countrymen, and widely celebrated in verse, songs, sermons, and the visual arts. The public had a seemingly insatiable appetite for representations of Wolfe and his heroic death and sacrifice for his country.
Benjamin West’s painting was created in 1771, at the height of the demand for images of Wolfe. The painting is not a literal account of Wolfe's death, but rather a poetic and symbolic rendering of the military victory. The composition centers on an injured and fallen Wolfe at center, his musket, cartridge box, and bayonet scattered on the ground in front of him. Captain Hervey Smythe holds Wolfe's right arm, while Dr. Thomas Hinde attempts to stem the bleeding. To the left, a messenger approaches with news that Quebec has fallen. Many of the other people surrounding Wolfe were not actually present when Wolfe died, but rather suggest the ethnic and geographical breadth of the new British Empire, like the Native American shown kneeling at right
With this painting, West also pointedly eschewed the long-established convention dictating that figures in historical paintings, even of contemporary subjects, be shown in Roman dress. Rather, he chose to portray Wolfe in his military uniform, insisting he wanted to depict the "facts of the transaction." This was considered very controversial at the time, so much so that King George III refused to purchase the painting since he believed that West's choice of clothing compromised the dignity of the image. Though not factually accurate, the painting was such a sensation that following its spectacular public debut at the Royal Academy in London, lines stretched out the door and five full-sized versions of it were commissioned by elite patrons.
This time period also coincided with a burgeoning market in prints, which created a new market of people who were not in a position to acquire expensive, original works of art, but could afford engravings, especially on a subscription model. Print publishers and engravers could anticipate selling many engravings done after popular paintings by famous artists. For this reason, West personally oversaw the production of an engraving of “The Death of General Wolfe,” choosing by one of the most accomplished printmakers of the time, William Woollett (1735-1785), to engrave his scene.
The print, a large engraving, was published in London by Messrs. Woollett, Boydell & Ryland, on January 1, 1776. One of the biggest commercial successes in British printmaking, the print helped make West's painting one of the most widely recognized images in England. It was also incredibly successful in Europe, garnering him 5,000-7,000 pounds in foreign sales. It was widely copied by engravers in France and Germany and was even pirated by other printmakers in England. The many iterations of West’s image found its way onto an untold number of objects and goods, including seals, ceramics and tableware, and fabrics. In this way, the engraving also helped to shape a burgeoning nationalism that celebrated England’s military power.
CONDITION:
Excellent condition. Engraving, on laid paper. Paper is very healthy. Strong impression. Small ink inscription to lower margin outside of plate mark. Title engraved in bottom center margin, “To the King's most excellent Majesty. This plate, The Death of General Wolfe, is with His gracious Permission humbly dedicated by his Majesty's most dutiful Subject & Servant, William Woolett. From the original Picture in the Collection of Lord Grosvenor.” “Published as the Act Directs, January 1, 1776… by Messrs. Woollett, Boydell, and Ryland, London” printed just below title, at left and right. “Painted by B. West, Historical Painter to His Majesty” engraved in the lower left margin. “Engraved by Wm. Woollet, Engraver to His Majesty” engraved in the lower right margin.
Engraving is artfully and archivally framed with black linen top mat, acid-free bottom mats, Coroplast backing, UV Plexiglas, and a custom-built wooden frame with gold fillet.
Framed dimensions: 26 3/4” H x 31 3/4” W x 1 1/2” W.
Accompanied by our company’s letter of authenticity.
- Creator:Benjamin West (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 26.75 in (67.95 cm)Width: 31.75 in (80.65 cm)Depth: 1.5 in (3.81 cm)
- Style:Georgian (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1770-1779
- Date of Manufacture:1776
- Condition:Additions or alterations made to the original: Framed by Archival Art Custom Framing in Alexandria, VA, in January of 2025. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor fading.
- Seller Location:Colorado Springs, CO
- Reference Number:Seller: PR5151stDibs: LU909743539132
About the Seller
4.9
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2010
1stDibs seller since 2011
452 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Colorado Springs, CO
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllGeorge Washington Engraving by H. B. Hall, after William Birch
By William Birch
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a handsome engraved portrait of George Washington by artist H. B. Hall. This engraving was published in New York, in a limited edition of 125 impressions. The engraving is based on a painting by William Birch Gilbert Stuart, a small miniature in enamel, completed in 1796. Birch painted Washington from life in his office in Philadelphia, by the request of I. G. Van Staphorst, Esqr. of Amsterdam. In the small portrait, Washington is depicted in a head and shoulders pose, facing right. He wears a dark coat and vest and a white shirt and ruffled cravat.
The father of our country, George Washington was the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first United States president...
Category
Antique 19th Century American Federal Prints
Materials
Paper
"Washington and His Generals" Engraving by A. H. Ritchie, circa 1870
By Alexander Hay Ritchie
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This is a large, handsome engraving entitled Washington and His Generals by Alexander H. Ritchie, one of the best historical printmakers of the mid-nineteenth century. Ritchie is par...
Category
Antique 1870s American Federal Prints
Materials
Paper
"View of the Capitol at Washington" Print, after William Henry Bartlett
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a charming, hand colored engraving of “View of the Capitol at Washington.” The engraving is after William Henry Bartlett’s engraving o...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Prints
Materials
Paper
“The Restaurant of the House of Representatives” Engraving by Harper's Weekly
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
This original wood engraving is titled “The Restaurant of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC.” It was published as a double-page image, in the August 12, 1893 issue of the famous 19th century newspaper Harper’s Weekly. The print was illustrated by Charles Stanley Reinhardt.
The House Restaurant, a unique part of life in the Capitol, has been in the same location since the 1857 Capitol Expansion. Congressional members’ busy work schedule made the availability of food on site a necessity. But the restaurant also served as an informal meeting spot for members to continue conversations and deal making.
This 1893 print illustrates the convivial atmosphere. Details including elegantly dressed tables...
Category
Antique 1890s American Prints
Materials
Paper
"The President's House, From Washington" Print, after William Henry Bartlett
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is a charming, hand colored engraving of “The President’s House, From Washington.” The engraving is after William Henry Bartlett’s “The President's House, From The River,” ...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Prints
Materials
Paper
"Pres. Lincoln And Family" Engraving by A. B. Walter, after Francis Schell, 1865
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Presented is an original 1865 engraving Pres. Lincoln and Family, depicting the Lincoln family in April of 1865. The artist Francis Schell painted the original work, A. B. Walter eng...
Category
Antique 1860s American High Victorian Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
"The Death of General Wolfe", Etching after Benjamin West, laid on vellum
By Benjamin West
Located in Norwich, GB
Etching on laid paper laid down on vellum, around 1789.
Etching after Benjamin West's 1770 painting "The Death of General Wolfe" commemorating the Bat...
Category
Antique 1780s Canadian Georgian Prints
Materials
Paper
19th Century Engraving of Benjamin West 's the Banishment of Cleombrotus
By Benjamin West
Located in Vancouver, British Columbia
A 19th century steel plate engraving depicting the Banishment of Cleombrotus after the original by Benjamin West oil on canvas painting executed in 1768 and held at the Tate Gallery. The engraving is presented with beige matting and a gilded wooden frame.
Benjamin West showed this painting at the second exhibition of the newly formed Royal Academy. After several years in Italy, West had established himself in London as the leading painter of subjects from classical history...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Neoclassical Revival Prints
Materials
Paper
$520 Sale Price
20% Off
Late 18th Century Color Print Engravings after Originals by Artist Henry William
By Henry William Bunbury
Located in Louisville, KY
These are exceptionally RARE color engraved prints done after originals by artist Henry William Bunbury (1750-1811) and engraved by Francesco Bartol...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century English Georgian Prints
Materials
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
Engraving of Distinguished Governor-General of the VOC Christoffel van Swol 1724
Located in Langweer, NL
The portrait you've shown of Christoffel van Swol is an example of an early 18th-century engraving, likely created to honor his service as a Governor-General of the Dutch East India ...
Category
Antique 1720s Prints
Materials
Paper
$260 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping
1832 Hand-Colored Engraving - "Death of the Fox at Tutbury Castle" by W. B. Scot
Located in Langweer, NL
1832 Hand-Colored Engraving - "Death of the Fox at Tutbury Castle" by W. B. Scott
This is a finely detailed, hand-colored engraving titled "Death of the Fox at Tutbury Castle," publ...
Category
Antique 1830s Prints
Materials
Paper
$111 Sale Price
20% Off
Set Of Eight Portrait Engravings After Kneller.
Located in Essex, MA
Framed engravings of various Lords, Dukes etc. One duplicate. Framed under glass.
Category
Antique 1740s English Georgian Prints
Materials
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
$3,250 / set