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New
Book By Mort Künstler is
Official Companion to Gods and Generals Film
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Gods and Generals:
The Paintings of Mort
Künstler |
Mort Künstler, who is acclaimed in national art circles as
"America's premier historical artist," is the official artist
of the new motion picture Gods and Generals. The long-awaited
feature film is opening in theaters throughout the nation
- accompanied by an official companion book of Mort Künstler's
Civil War art. Since he began specializing in Civil War scenes
more than 15 years ago, Mort Kunstler has become the "most-collected"
Civil War artist in America. His limited edition fine art
prints, which are published by American Spirit Publishing,
Inc., are displayed in homes, offices and historical sites
throughout the nation. To date, Kunstler has painted more
than one-hundred scenes from the War Between the States.
His new book, Gods and Generals: The Paintings of Mort
Künstler showcases Künstler's Civil War art in a chronicle
of the history on which the Jeff Shaara novel and the motion
picture are based. Ron Maxwell, the director of Gods
and Generals and the hugely popular motion picture Gettysburg,
chose Künstler as the film's official artist.
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Mort Künstler on the set of Gods and
Generals with
Robert Duvall and Ron Maxwell in Hagerstown, MD |
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"As the director and script-writer of Gods and Generals,"
says Maxwell, "I wanted to demonstrate the authenticity of
the motion picture by developing an official history of the
period in which the film and the novel are set. I knew immediately
that this would be a Mort Künstler book. His work on a similar
companion book to the motion picture Gettysburg was
exceptional, and we wanted the same standards for Gods
and Generals.
"An equally famous Civil War authority, Dr. James I. Robertson,
Jr., known to the scholars and students of the war as the
dean of Civil War historians, is author of the book's narrative,"
says Maxwell. "What a remarkable combination - the artwork
of Mort Künstler and the words of James Robertson. This
new book is a fitting tribute to the Americans of the Civil
War - Northerners and Southerners, soldiers and sailors,
white and black - who bequeathed to us a lasting legacy
of courage and sacrifice as Americans all."
In a recent interview at his New York studio, Künstler
discussed his artwork, his new book and his time on the
film set of Gods and Generals.
Q: You saw a preview screening of Gods and Generals.
Do you think it depicts the Civil War authentically?
A: Oh, it's even better than Gettysburg, which I thought
was probably the most authentic motion picture about the Civil
War ever produced. Gods and Generals is not just about
a single battle - it surveys the war and its key personalities
leading up to Gettysburg. It's also a "people picture"
- it tells a captivating and true story about a remarkable
group of people. You could care nothing about the history
of the Civil War, and you'd still be fascinated by this movie.
Q: So, it's historically authentic and powerful, too?
A: Oh, absolutely. You'd have to be made of stone to not
weep in parts of this film. It's a phenomenal combination
of history and art. Ron Maxwell has done such an outstanding
job with this film. The historical re-creation is superb
and the characterizations are excellent. The whole production
is just beautifully done. It's an outstanding achievement.
Q: How long have you known Ron Maxwell, the film's
director?
A: Oh, about ten years or so - we met while he was directing
Gettysburg. I was asked to be the official artist
for that film and did the companion history book that accompanied
it. He had previously attended one of my art openings at
Hammer Galleries in New York City - which handles my original
art - but we really didn't know each other until Gettysburg.
Q: What did you think of the film-making process as
you saw it on site?
A: Oh, it's very challenging. What he does to capture history
requires an incredible amount of work.
Q: What was your role with the film?
A: My main role was producing the official companion book
to the film. I also gave Ron my opinion about scenes when
I was asked. We spent the whole day and evening together
after one of the screenings.
Q: Is it true that some of the scenes in Gods and
Generals were set up based on the composition of some
of your paintings?
A: Not many - just a few - but that's correct. I offered
Ron my researched artworks to help in any way, and he told
me later that he set up some shots based on my works. I
considered that a great compliment. He used His Supreme
Moment - which depicts Lee at Chancellorsville - and
"War is So Terrible" - which is set at Fredericksburg,
and some other paintings. I also used some of Ron's scenes
as inspiration for a number of paintings in the book. I
guess you could say that our working together was mutually
beneficial.
Q: How do you feel about the new book - Gods and
Generals: The Paintings of Mort Künstler?
A: You know, it's impossible for me to judge my own work.
I fall in love with every painting I do - and it's like
that with this book. I've been told it's the most beautiful
book we've done so far. You know, we also have a series
of historical prints called the "Official Gods and Generals
Series," which depicts four key historical events some of
which are presented in the film. I'm happy to say that they're
being very well received by the public so far.
Q: Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr. wrote the book's narrative.
You've done other books with him - do you enjoy working
with him?
A: Oh, he's wonderful, such a gentleman. And so knowledgeable.
You know he's called the "dean of Civil War historians"
and that's for good reason: He loves history and he knows
so much. He's a dear friend and I always enjoy working with
him.
Q: How do people find your limited edition prints,
if they want to buy some?
A: That's easy. Most art galleries or frame shops can order
our limited edition fine art prints. We have hundreds of
dealers around the country. You can call my publisher at
800-850-1776 or go to our website www.mortkunstler.com and
find a list of our authorized dealers.
Q: So what's the future hold for Mort Künstler? Is
it true that you relax by chopping wood?
A: (Laughs.) That's true. I just finished splitting a big
pile of firewood. As for the future, I love what I'm doing.
I'm thankful that I'm healthy, and you know there's no such
thing as a retired artist. So I hope to paint a lot more
pictures. And, listen, I've got some great subjects planned
for the future - some really great paintings are coming
out this year. And I've got some great scenes that are just
begging to be painted….
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