Platter with the Death of General James Wolfe (1727–1759)

Blue and white platter from the British History Series.
This scene commemorating the Death of General Wolfe, Sept 13, 1759 was popular for a half-century and represents an early view of Canada on pottery. It was portrayed by several artists and potteries but the most famous image was by historical painter, Benjamin West. Josiah Wedgwood was the first to adapt the West image on tableware and he used the print by William Woollet available in 1776. The portrayal depicts a Pieta composition and portrays Native Americans and horses to heighten the narrative. This platter is more stilted than Wedgwood’s interpretation. The engraver added a horse and rider, and depicted the Native American standing rather than kneeling.