The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec Engraving Value Guide

This engraving is a seminal piece of American Revolutionary War iconography based on the 1786 masterpiece by John Trumbull, an aide to George Washington. It captures the dramatic martyrdom of General Richard Montgomery during the 1775 blizzard at Quebec, serving as a powerful 19th-century symbol of American sacrifice.

What affects the value of The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec Engraving?

• The physical condition of the paper, specifically the lack of significant tears, heavy staining, or UV-related fading.
• The quality and age of the frame, particularly if it features period-correct wood and glass from the 19th century.
• The specific edition or engraver, as earlier prints closer to the 1798 release date generally command higher market interest.
• The presence of full margins and the clarity of the original ink impressions.

How to Identify The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec Engraving?

• Verify the presence of fine line-work characteristic of late 18th to mid-19th century copperplate or steel engraving techniques.
• Check for the artist credit 'John Trumbull' and the specific title referencing the 1775 Battle of Quebec at the bottom margin.
• Examine the paper for signs of age-appropriate foxing or watermarks consistent with 1798-1850 production periods.
• Look for the distinct composition featuring Montgomery collapsed in the snow surrounded by his officers in a neoclassical 'Lamentation' style.

History of The Death of General Montgomery in the Attack on Quebec Engraving

Based on the 1786 painting by John Trumbull, this image is a cornerstone of American Revolutionary War iconography. Trumbull, who served as an aide to George Washington, sought to memorialize the heroic sacrifices of American officers. Montgomery's death in the blizzard outside Quebec became a symbol of early American martyrdom and was widely distributed through high-quality engravings in the late 18th and 19th centuries.