1776 - 2026
Mort Künstler’s
art celebrates the 250th Anniversary of our “New Nation.”
Licensing Mort’s Images
Join us as a licensing partner. Mort Künstler’s works of art have proven to be a successful component of advertising campaigns, museum installations, television and film productions, books and magazines, products and other commercial and educational ventures.
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Morton Künstler 1927 - 2025
Our 97-year-old artist, father, friend, and colleague passed away on February 2, 2025. He had a prolific life and career, yet happily said many times “I never worked a day in my life!” He is missed by all who were lucky to have known him and his paintings.
We greatly appreciate the outpouring of condolence messages and notes. Thank you.
History in Photos
1976
Mort Künstler is seen here in front of Fraunce’s Tavern in New York City on July 4, 1976, the 200th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The occasion is the unveiling of “Reading the Declaration of Independence to the Troops.” Along with Künstler are officials of American Cyanamid, the company that commissioned the painting. Fraunce’s Tavern housed the Departments of Foreign Affairs, the Treasury, and War, from 1785 - 1787. George Washington delivered his famous farewell to his officers here. During this week in 1976, the Tavern causes considerable notice in the press as it coincides with a visit to New York City of Queen Elizabeth.
The firelight illuminates the faces of the men as they discuss a high-risk strategy. Other campfires in the background reveal the subtext, the story of the ordinary soldier. …The owner of the painting, [The Last Council], …who is lending it for the exhibition, called Mr. Künstler’s treatment of light uncanny. ‘If the light dims in the room,’ he said, ‘the fire glows brighter. It’s as if the painting is alive,’ he said.
Rahel Musleah
The New York Times