This engraving is a representation of The Death of General Wolfe, a 1770 painting by Anglo-American artist Benjamin West, commemorating the 1759 Battle of Quebec, where General James Wolfe died at the moment of victory. The painting, containing vivid suggestions of martyrdom, broke a standard rule of historical portraiture by featuring individuals who had not been present at the scene and dressed in modern, instead of classical, costumes. The painting has become one of the best-known images in 18th-century art.
Paul de Rapin's History of England, originally in French (Histoire d'Angleterre), was a landmark 18th-century work, first published in the 1720s, offering a comprehensive and impartial account from Roman times to William & Mary, becoming hugely influential through Nicholas Tindal's popular English translation, noted for its detailed footnotes and illustrations. This extensive work served as a crucial standard history for decades, detailing Britain's past, including its monarchs and events, and remained a key text until superseded by David Hume's history.
Written by French Huguenot historian Paul de Rapin-Thoyras (1661-1725). It covered British history from Julius Caesar's landing through to the late 17th century, notably ending with William and Mary's accession.
It aimed to be an unbiased history for foreign audiences, a departure from earlier histories
Nicholas Tindal's escellent English translation (first published in 1732) significantly boosted its success, adding extensive, informative footnotes and details.
It became the most comprehensive history of England in its time, greatly influencing British historiography in the 18th century and remaining a standard until David Hume.
It often appeared in multi-volume sets, featuring engraved portraits, coats of arms, and folding maps, making them desirable collector's items.
In essence, Rapin's work provided a detailed, scholarly narrative of English history that was widely embraced, especially in its acclaimed English translation, shaping historical understanding for generations.
