The Death of Major Peirson, 6 January 1781 is a large oil painting completed by John Singleton Copley in 1783. The work depicts the dramatic moment during the Battle of Jersey in which British Major Francis Peirson was killed while defending the island of Jersey from a French invasion. Painted shortly after the event, this work marks a significant point in Copley’s career following his move from America to London, where he became known for his historical compositions. The scene is set in a town square, filled with British soldiers in red uniforms engaged in combat, with smoke and confusion filling the air.

At the center, Major Peirson, dressed in a light uniform, is shown collapsing into the arms of his comrades, while a Black soldier fires a musket at an unseen enemy. The British flag is prominently displayed, and civilians, including women and children, react with alarm on the right side of the composition. The painting is executed with precise detail, dramatic lighting, and a dynamic arrangement of figures, emphasizing the chaos and heroism of the moment. Commissioned to commemorate a recent British victory, The Death of Major Peirson, 6 January 1781 was first exhibited in London to considerable public attention.

The work has since become one of Copley’s most celebrated historical paintings and is frequently referenced in discussions of British art from the late eighteenth century. It is widely reproduced and remains a significant example of large-scale narrative painting from this period.