The Death of General Wolfe 

Benjamin West created this ink drawing, "The Death of General Wolfe," with expressive, almost frantic lines that capture a dramatic moment. The loose and gestural strokes convey the chaos and tragedy of battle through the vulnerable repose of a fallen hero. Here, the composition uses Wolfe's reclining body as a central, unifying form, drawing our eyes to the narrative unfolding on the page. West employs the dynamism of the line to evoke movement. The dense cross-hatching creates areas of shadow, emphasizing the somber mood and creating a sense of depth. The linear quality invites us to consider the ideas around sacrifice and heroism, presenting Wolfe as a martyr whose death serves a greater cause. The work challenges fixed meanings, inviting ongoing interpretation. The drawing leaves us to ponder how West uses line and form to construct a narrative that transcends the historical event.