Jackson & Lee: Legends in Gray: The Paintings of Mort Kunstler

The book is back out in reprint and is stunningly beautiful. It is essentially a catalog of the artists paintings with commentary done (very well) by James Robertson. The measure and dignity of the South's BEST is wonderfully portrayed ... The mood, surroundings, uniforms, horses and situations bring you back to those terrible days of conflict. As a retired Army Officer, currently working as a Defense Contract Employee - I've had the honor to serve on Army installations named after these two giants... and after admiring this book - the US Army does two of its own justice in keeping their names alive (Both were US Army Officers before resigning their commissions) ... Brings history to life ...

I have read and "studied" several of Mr.Kunstler's books and enjoyed them all.I particularly enjoy the artists comments as to why he does some of the things the way he does.This book is different in that his art is not accompanied by his explanations but by another writer's text.This text is very good and really brings out the personalities of these great characters.As one who believes that it is important to understand the personalities of the people involved if one is to understand why things happened the way they did;this is very well done.As to the title of my review;I find eyes fascinating.The first thing I look at in Mr.Kunstler's paintings is the eyes.Let me point out Confederate Sunset on pg.56 both Lee's and Jackson's eyes are very beady and staring resulting in them looking like figures in a wax museum;giving the painting a posed and unnatural feeling.Other examples are of Jackson on pages 38and 40.Note the difference in Jackson's eyes on page44.Another thing I like to study is how some paintings look very stiff,posed almost like a diorama in a museum,eg.The Return of Stuart on pg.126.Compare this to The Last Council on pg.102 which is so realistic. Am I alone in seeing this aspect of Mr.Kunstler's work?

Outstanding compilation of information, and the best images of primiere Civil War artist Mort Kunstler. A "must have" for all serious students of the American Civil War.