The Canada 150 Auction

June 27, 2017

LOT 535

Lot 535

AFTER JOHN S.C. SCHAAK (ACTIVE WESTMINISTER 1761-1769)

AFTER JOHN S.C. SCHAAK (ACTIVE WESTMINISTER 1761-1769)
Lot 535 Details
AFTER JOHN S.C. SCHAAK (ACTIVE WESTMINISTER 1761-1769), British

MAJOR GENERAL JAMES WOLFE, COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF HIS MAJESTY’S FORCES ON THE EXPEDITION AGAINST QUEBEC, 1759

oil on canvas; inscribed “After I.S.C. Schaak”, titled and dated “c.1760” to the nameplate
20" x 15" — 50.8 x 38.1 cm.

Estimate $3,000-$5,000

Realised: $6,600
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
AFTER JOHN S.C. SCHAAK (ACTIVE WESTMINISTER 1761-1769)
  • AFTER JOHN S.C. SCHAAK (ACTIVE WESTMINISTER 1761-1769)
  • AFTER JOHN S.C. SCHAAK (ACTIVE WESTMINISTER 1761-1769)
  • AFTER JOHN S.C. SCHAAK (ACTIVE WESTMINISTER 1761-1769)
  • AFTER JOHN S.C. SCHAAK (ACTIVE WESTMINISTER 1761-1769)
Provenance:

The Parker Gallery, London;
From whom acquired by the Private Collection, Ontario in 1973

Note:

Recognizing that France was preoccupied with events in Europe, Britain set to the task of targeting the country’s colonies and naval fleet in the aim of crippling France as a commercial rival. After several unsuccessful attacks, by 1759 British forces had made significant gains, including the takeover of the French stronghold at Louisbourg; a battle that primed British army officer, General James Wolfe, for his eventual command in the Quebec expedition of the same year. After months of trying to engage French troops under the command of General Louis-Joseph de Montcalm into battle, Wolfe and his men were finally able to gain a naval foothold upriver from Quebec City, and shortly thereafter the Battle of the Plains of Abraham began. While both armies were relatively equal in size, Wolfe’s forces were comprised of seasoned regimental soldiers whereas Montcalm’s were mostly civilian militia or Aboriginal warriors. Surviving long enough to see French troops retreating, General Wolfe died soon after the initial gunfire began. While British forces quickly gained the upper hand, the realities of the isolating Canadian winter seemed to jeopardize their victory. Yet a lack of French reinforcements meant that despite a flagging English military force, France was forced to surrender in 1760, and New France was officially ceded to Britain in 1763 with the Treaty of Paris.

In the decade following General Wolfe's death in 1759, this was the most famous image of this remarkable young man. It is the earliest accurate portrait of him at the moment of his greatest victory at Quebec. When news of Wolfe's heroic death in the service of his country reached Britain on 16 October 1759, he became a celebrity overnight. The public wanted to know what he looked like, but because he died in action there were no existing portraits showing him at the time of his triumph. This painting is the closest there is: although painted shortly after his death, it is based on an eyewitness sketch by Wolfe's aide-de-camp, Captain Hervey Smyth.

With his arm raised, Wolfe is characterized as a strong leader looking optimistically to the future and a British victory. The heavily shadowed background adds a certain gravitas to the mission, while the highlighted Wolfe serves as a focal point, both heroizing and commemorating the General for his military achievements. The Battle of the Plains of Abraham, was a pivotal and determining conflict in the Seven Years War, and retains its importance in Canadian history.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 535
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.