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Table of Contents > Revolutionary War > Lot 104 |
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Browse the Auction in Groups of 25 Lots: |
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Lot Number: 104
Click for a Printable PageSign-in to Bid or Register to Bid Estimate Range: $3,000 - $4,000 |
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"DEATH OF GENERAL MONTGOMERY" Engraved Print after the Painting by John Trumbull with its Master “Key” |
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        Click an Image to Enlarge It |
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February 1798, Hand-Colored Copper-Plate Engraved Print titled, "DEATH OF GENERAL MONTGOMERY / In the Attack on Quebec, December 31, 1775." Mezzotint Engraving by Johan Frederik Clemens after a 1786 painting by American artist John Trumbull, Published in London, by A.C. de Poggi, offered together with its scarce Original Engraved master “Key” depicting the Americans officers at Quebec, both Engravings Framed, Very Fine. A scarce Hand-Colored impression of this great Revolutionary War battlefield print, showing the heroic death of American General Richard Montgomery (1738-1775) during the Siege of Quebec. Accompanied by its rarely encountered original engraved black printed “Key” that Trumbull created. Montgomery is shown in both as the central figure in the picture, he is surrounded by soldiers in various uniforms, plus scouts, and even a double armed Native American Indian Warrior volunteer. Its impact highlighting the desolation of the battlefield, the grief of the American soldiers, and the historical significance of General Montgomery’s death.This finely detailed colorful engraved portion measures 30” wide x 23” tall printed on a heavy laid period paper sheet fully 32.5” x 24” showing its full margins, having been laid down on modern paper and framed under glass to fully 35.75" x 27.7" (not examined out of its frame) in what is most likely its original gold and black painted wood frame. The separate black printed “Key” depicts 12 men that are labeled and identified, as shown. The separate “Key” measures 11.25” x 9” (by sight), printed on off-white heavy period paper, under glass to fully 14.25” x 11.75” in a well worn gold-gilt wood frame. Both engravings have well executed conservation, the “Key” discreetly at 1” in its bottom left corner, the main print with scattered repairs, conservation and patches to its outer margin selvage and the top line of small printed text just above the printed title below the main engraving, and a couple well sealed splits above the cannon and the dead Major Cheesman, shown under General Montgomery. Overall, the conservation has enhanced its significant eye appeal. This scarce and popular historic battle scene is ready to hang and display together with its “Key”. ( 2 items). On December 31, 1775, under General Richard Montgomery and Colonel Benedict Arnold, an inadequate force of roughly 1,675 Americans assaulted the heavily fortified city of Quebec, only to meet with complete defeat. General Montgomery was killed, and large numbers of colonial soldiers were killed or captured. Further attacks against Canada were soon discontinued, and Arnold withdrew the remnant of his Continental army soldiers in May 1776. This historic engraving captures that event in significant detail. In the center of the composition, General Montgomery is depicted in full military uniform, illuminated to emphasize his importance and heroism. He is supported by Matthias Ogden as he succumbs to wounds inflicted by grapeshot during the ill-fated attack on Quebec. At their feet lie Montgomery’s aides-de-camp, Captains Jacob Cheeseman and John MacPherson, who are shown lifeless in the snow near a broken cannon, symbolizing the devastation of war. Surrounding Montgomery are various key figures, including Lieutenant Colonel Donald Campbell, Lieutenant Samuel Cooper, and other officers and soldiers whose grief and shock are vividly conveyed. The left side of the engraving includes Lieutenant John Humphries and the Oneida chief Joseph Louis Cook, depicted with a raised tomahawk, symbolizing the diverse forces that participated in the campaign. On the far right, Colonel William Thompson of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment observes the scene, his expression mirroring the anguish of his comrades. The background features bare trees, snow-covered ground, and the darkness of night, all of which enhance the melancholic and tragic atmosphere. This engraving exemplifies Trumbull’s narrative approach to historical painting, emphasizing emotion, drama, and the human cost of war. Clemens’ skillful engraving preserves the details and spirit of the original painting, capturing the somber tone and vivid contrasts of light and dark, hand-colored. The work stands as a tribute to Montgomery, an Irish-born officer who initially served the British before becoming a key leader in the American Revolution. His death marked a significant moment in the failed invasion of Canada, symbolizing both the bravery and the sacrifices of the American forces. The historical accuracy of the scene has been debated by scholars. For instance, some have argued that Aaron Burr, Montgomery’s actual Aide-de-Camp, should have been depicted instead of Colonel Ogden. Nevertheless, the engraving effectively conveys the emotional weight and historical importance of the event. General Richard Montgomery was born in Ireland. Initially he served the British forces in North America, but changed sides and became Second in Command in the Montreal expedition during the American War of Independence. John Trumbull’s (1756-1843) original painting is a magnificent example of his very narrative pictures painted from his experiences during the War of Independence. He served in the Continental Army as an Aide to General George Washington and he was commissioned by Congress to paid the famous murals hung in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Later in his career, John Trumbull met the talented Danish engraver J.F. Clemens (1748-1831) in London while the latter considered pursuing an international career. |
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Lot Number: 104
Click for a Printable Page Sign-in to Bid or Register to Bid |
Estimate Range: $3,000 - $4,000 |
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Early American History Auctions, Inc. 1520 Commerce St., # 312 • Winchester, VA 22601 Phone: 858 • 759 • 3290 Email: Auctions@EarlyAmerican.com |
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