This mezzotint by Johan Frederik Clemens, titled The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec, December 31, 1775, is based on John Trumbull’s 1786 painting of the same subject.
The scene memorializes the heroic death of American General Richard Montgomery during the Battle of Quebec, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. This finely detailed engraving captures the dramatic and somber tone of Trumbull's work, highlighting the desolation of the battlefield, the grief of the American soldiers, and the historical significance of Montgomery’s death.
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. 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 Ogden. Nevertheless, the engraving effectively conveys the emotional weight and historical importance of the event.
Rarity
The present example is a rare early state, dated 1794. Most examples which appear on the market are 1798 or later.