Edward III Crossing the Somme 

Benjamin West created "Edward III Crossing the Somme" with oils on canvas, a scene dominated by dramatic movement and emotional intensity. The composition is a flurry of bodies, horses and flags that draw the eye. West's dynamic use of light and shadow enhances the drama. The painting illustrates the power of spectacle and the performance of authority. The flags bearing the coat of arms are semiotic markers. The landscape serves as a stage for asserting dominance, and the chaos of the battlefield actually reinforces the necessity and inevitability of hierarchical power. West uses conventions of history painting to create a scene that celebrates national identity and leadership. Notice West's brushstrokes, which add to the overall feeling of the artwork, and how this contributes to the painting's narrative force. The visual language speaks volumes about the way power, war, and national identity were understood and idealized at the time.