General Wolff 1781

Jacques Barbié created this print, "General Wolff," using engraving. Note the ovoid frame of laurel leaves surrounding the General, a Roman symbol of triumph. In the lower register, we see the General's death in battle. The motif of the fallen hero echoes classical antiquity, particularly in the figure's theatrical pose and the arrangement of mourners. This mirrors scenes from ancient sarcophagi, which have been reinterpreted throughout history. Consider, for example, depictions of the deposition of Christ, where similar gestures of grief and reverence are displayed. The fallen hero becomes a symbol of sacrifice, stirring deep, subconscious emotions tied to death and honor. This powerful archetype recurs across cultures, reflecting a shared human experience of loss and admiration. The image taps into a collective memory, where heroism and tragedy are inextricably linked, resurfacing in various forms.