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The Art of Mort Künstler / The Gallery Store / Limited Edition Prints / Civil War Prints /



Storm Over Gettysburg - limited edition print
Generals Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet Gettysburg July 3, 1863


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Signed Artist's Proof - $500.00



 



Custom framing is available for this print.
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LIMITED EDITION PRINTS

Paper Prints
Reproduction technique: Fine offset lithography on neutral pH archival quality paper using the finest fade-resistant inks.
Each print is numbered and signed by the artist and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.


Image Size: 12 1/2" x 14 1/2" • Overall Size: 15 1/2" x 18 1/2"
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 950
Signed Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 100



Mort Künstler's Comments

We seldom think of the Battle of Gettysburg in darkness. For most of us, the images of Gettysburg are always in daylight. But important events that shaped the battle - and the war - occurred at nighttime. Some crucial fighting took place at night, of course, but vital and dramatic decisions also occurred in the dark of night at Gettysburg.

General John Buford, the Federal officer who so influenced the outcome of the battle by seizing key ground, made some of his pivotal decisions the night of June 30th. The Federal commander, General George Meade, and principal subordinates like General Winfield Scott Hancock, made crucial decisions at night in Meade's headquarters. Across the battlefield in General Robert E. Lee's headquarters, nighttime war councils and decision making also affected the outcome of what became the war's greatest battle.

I've painted many of these dramatic nighttime events at Gettysburg, but none kindles my imagination more than the brief ride Lee and General James Longstreet made together on the night of July 3rd. Hours earlier, Lee and Longsreet had watched as the courage and tragedy of Pickett's Charge unfolded - and devastated the heart of Lee's army. In the darkness of that Friday night, July 3, 1863, a ferocious thunderstorm rolled over Gettysburg. Storm Over Gettysburg captures that dramatic moment as Lee and Longsreet ride through the storm together, discussing Lee's next move. Should they stay and fight again, hoping somehow to win? Should they wait for a Northern counterattack? Should they retreat?

In this painting, Lee and Longstreet are backlit by rim-light from a distant bolt of lightning. Although it's challenging to paint, lightning and its unique light are naturally dramatic. The power and drama of the storm underscored to me the solemnity of the moment. Lee had to make some agonizing decisions during the war - and this was one of them. The storm of war had swept over tiny Gettysburg with the power of an awesome thunderstorm. Through it, the war - and the American people - were changed forever.





 

 
All illustrations by Mort Künstler. Text by Michael Aubrecht, Dee Brown, Henry Steele Commager, Rod Gragg, Mort Künstler, Edward Lengel, James McPherson, and James I. Robertson, Jr. - Copyright © 2001-2022. All Rights Reserved. No part of the contents of this web site may be reproduced or utilized in any form by any means without written consent of the artist.