How is it that an American painter came to define the British Empire? Benjamin West's iconic painting The Death of General Wolfe (1776) depicts the death of James Wolfe, the British commander at the 1759 Battle of Quebec, one of Great Britain's most famous military victories, during what in this country is known as the French and Indian War. Carole McNamara, UMMA Senior Curator of Western Art, will introduce the history and art historical significance of this rich painting which contributed to the “Wolfemania” of the time. Join the conversation about this work that is on loan from the William L. Clements Library at the University of Michigan, before the exhibition closes.

Generous support for this exhibition is provided by the Joseph F. McCrindle Foundation, the University of Michigan Health System, the University of Michigan Office of the Provost and Office of the Vice President for Research, the Richard and Rosann Noel Endowment Fund, and THE MOSAIC FOUNDATION (of R. & P. Heydon).