Death of a General 

Benjamin West created this drawing, "Death of a General," during a period of significant political and social upheaval, including the American and French Revolutions. West, as an American expatriate working in London, navigated the complex dynamics of empire and identity. Here, the scene unfolds with classical references, yet it speaks to the emotional toll of leadership and sacrifice in times of conflict. The general, the apparent center of attention, is supported by his men. The vulnerability of his pose contrasts with the surrounding figures in armor who brandish weapons in defense. Consider how West uses the visual language of heroism while also showing the human cost of war. It invites us to reflect on the weight of command and the narratives we construct around leaders, especially in moments of crisis. What does it mean to depict a leader’s death in a way that elicits both admiration and mourning?