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By Star Traylor

	Künstler (left) chats with Berryville resident Michael King and King's sons, Kevin and Kyle, Saturday morning in the Clarke County General Distric Courthouse as he signed copies of his work. Star Photo by Scott Mason

Virginians may be more enthusiastic about the Civil War than people in any other state. That's been New York artist Mort Künstler's experience since he began painting Civil War scenes in 1988. Some of his most popular paintings, such as Until We Meet Again, depict war scenes that took place in Winchester.

Künstler stayed in Winchester before heading to Berryville on Saturday for the unveiling of a new painting, God Be With You. He signed prints of the painting at the Clarke County General District Courthouse, an appropriate venue since the landmark is pictured in the painting's background.

The painting, a scene in Berryville on June 21, 1863, also shows Grace Episcopal Church in the background. Historical accounts say Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee stopped to attend church that day. Confederate Gen. James Longstreet is pictured with Lee.

"When I saw it, I just knew it would be a great setting for a picture," said Künstler, who resides in Oyster Bay, N.Y. He was born in Brooklyn. Künstler became successful as an illustrator for men's magazines drawing action and adventure scenes with subject matter somewhat similar to his current work, though it was not about the Civil War. In the mid-1960s, he began working for National Geographic, then, in the '70s, he started painting movie posters professionally. In 1977, he held his first gallery show at Hammer Galleries in New York City, where he still has exhibits periodically.

As he began painting epic scenes from American history, Künstler moved into Civil War territory, where he discovered a self-described "treasure trove of events that were crying to be painted." On the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, Künstler got started on The High Water Mark, his first Civil War painting. The prints were practically sold before it was complete.

Künstler met a publisher of limited edition prints who offered him a generous royalty. "I thought the guy was crazy because he hadn't even seen the painting and he was offering me a royalty that was quite astounding," Künstler said. He was paid the day the prints were delivered.

 

Künstler (left) talks with Civil War and art enthusiasts who lined up to purchase his newest print and have him sign some of his other works. The line snaked past examples of Künstler's prints in the Clarke County General District courtroom. The courthouse is in the background of his latest work. Star Photo by Scott Mason

Künstler doesn't care how he's classified. He's known by many as a Civil War artist that's fine, he said. His style is realistic, and his inspirations include Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the late modern artist Tom Lovell.

Fans of Künstler's art can be found all over the country, though he's noticed people in Virginia are particularly interested in the Civil War. "They're more enthusiastic here than they are in Alabama," he said. Some of the largest crowds have gathered to see his art work in Nassau County, where he lives. "They came, not so much because of their interest in the Civil War as because of the realistic style of my paintings." Künstler believes Civil War fans are ardent about their hobby and want to see history depicted authentically, which is what he tries to do.

In addition to signing prints of God Be With You on Saturday, Künstler signed prints of Old Glory, a painting of the American flag. The flag prints, for sale locally with other Künstler prints at Applegate Art in Kernstown, cost $25. All proceeds benefit the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, and checks can be made directly to the Red Cross, so buyers know that the dealer, artist, and publisher are not taking any cut from profits. Künstler said proceeds have already reached $100,000.

As a painter of epic scenes from American history, Künstler now has one more in mind. "I am sure I will be doing a painting or sculpture of the Sept. 11 tragedy as soon as I can digest it," he said. At least 362 people from Nassau County are presumed to have died in the attacks.

Many artists don't enjoy the kind of fame and recognition Künstler has until after they've died, and he's counting his blessings that his work is so popular. "I have to say I feel like I'm the luckiest guy alive. All I ever wanted to do was make a living at it."

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