In the painting the central figure is GENERAL WOLFE, lying on his back with his arms outstretched and his eyes turned towards the heavens. He is surrounded by a group of soldiers, officers, and Native Americans, all of whom are depicted in various states of grief and shock.
The figures in the painting are dressed in historically accurate military uniforms and NATIVE AMERICAN clothing. At the center is GENERAL WOLFE, dressed in his red coat and pointing towards the sky. This gesture symbolizes his final victory and his transcendence into a hero. His pose is reminiscent of the crucifixion of JESUS, further emphasizing his sacrifice for his country.
To the left of Wolfe is a NATIVE AMERICAN WARRIOR, mourning the death of his ally. He is depicted in a powerful pose, with his arms raised and his face twisted in anguish. This figure represents the alliance between the BRITISH and NATIVE AMERICANS during the war.
On the right side of the painting, two officers are depicted in shock and grief. One of them is holding a handkerchief to his face, while the other is looking towards the sky with a mix of sorrow and admiration. These figures represent the impact of WOLFE'S death on those who knew and fought alongside him.
The Death of General Wolfe was a significant painting in its time, as it was one of the first historical paintings to be exhibited in a public space. It was displayed at the ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS in LONDON, where it received critical acclaim and helped establish West as a leading artist of his time
