Catalog Archive
Auction 132, Lot 693

"The Death of Montgomery at Quebec",

Subject: Military, Revolutionary War

Period: 1801 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
19.5 x 13 inches
49.5 x 33 cm
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This dramatic engraved battle scene was Trumbull's second painting commemorating the Revolutionary War. It is filled with soldiers, frontiersmen and Indian scouts, each magnificently depicted in their respective costumes and weapons. A separate key, not included here, states that many of the people depicted are not accurate and only serve as a memorial to those distinguished or killed in action. The painting is purely imaginary as Montgomery died in the narrow pass below Cape Diamond during a driving blizzard. Engraved by W. Ketterlinus in 1799 after John Turnbull's painting. Published from London by A.C. de Poggi.

Trumbull devoted himself to the depiction of Revolutionary War scenes "which have since been the great objects of my professional life." Thomas Jefferson encouraged Trumbull in his goal. From the start Trumbull intended to paint in a style suitable for engraving. He partnered with the Italian artist Antonio de Poggi to realize the publication of his works. The original painting resides in the Yale Art Gallery.

References:

Condition: A

The beautiful very dark impression is on a sheet with wide, original margins. The image area is perfect and there are some professionally repaired tears in the blank margins.

Estimate: $750 - $1,000

Unsold

Closed on 6/2/2010

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