Last Council, The – limited edition print

The Masterpiece edition is shipped ROLLED, FREE* and UNSTRETCHED. Stretching is available only for local pickup orders, at an additional charge. Please contact us for additional information: 800-850-1776 or info@mortkunstler.com.

* Free shipping within the Continental U.S.

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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: 17½” x 22½” • Overall Size: 21½” x 25½”
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 1500
Signed Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 50

Giclée Canvas Prints
Reproduction technique: Giclées are printed with the finest archival pigmented inks on canvas. Each giclée print on canvas is numbered and signed by the artist and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Masterpiece Collection 25” x 32”
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 35

Historical Information
The Last Council depicts the final meeting between Generals "Stonewall" Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and "Jeb" Stuart, which occurred at the 1863 battle of Chancellorsville. At this "Cracker Barrel Conference," Jackson, Lee, and Stuart developed the strategy that made Chancellorsville Lee’s greatest victory. It also proved to be the last council for the three almost legendary Confederate commanders. The next day, Jackson received battle wounds that led to his death. 

Mort Künstler's Comments
I had always wanted to paint the great Confederate heroes Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson together. But since their last meeting together, the famous "Cracker Box" Conference on May 1, 1863 at Chancellorsville had been painted by a number of artists at that time, I gave up on that as an idea. However, on reading James McPherson's book Battle Cry For Freedom, I learned for the first time that J.E.B Stuart had arrived earlier in the evening with the startling news that the Union right flank was "in the air" and not anchored by any natural barrier. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to show not two, but three of the Confederate greats in one picture. As far as I knew, the moment I wanted to paint had not been done before. The lighting effects were difficult but dramatic, if I could make it come off. The warm firelight, with the chilled moonlight as a contrast could be perfect for telling the story. Because of Jackson's famous reputation as a strategist, I chose to have him suggesting the planned attack. Lee, the great decision maker should of course, be the center of interest. The cavalry in the rear are part of Stuart's entourage who have just ridden in with the news of Union troop movements.

A few hours later, Jackson was shot accidentally by his own men. He died May 10, 1863.

The Battle of Chancellorsville turned out to be Lee's greatest victory, as well as his greatest loss.