The Civil War Paintings of Mort K?nstler Volume 1: Fort Sumter to Antietam

While the photos of Mathew Brady will always remain the definitive visual record of the action of the American Civil War, these paintings by Mort Kunstler are a close second. One key point is the accuracy, as Kunstler clearly points out in his textual descriptions of the paintings, he went to great lengths to make the paintings historically accurate. Photos of the buildings and topography and entries in diaries and military journals are used to set very accurate scenes. He also occasionally speaks to the social context, which is especially significant given that these paintings cover the first phase of the war. As is so often the case when war is declared the men go off to what they see as great glory and easy victory. The people left behind are joyous in their sendoffs and no one seems to realize the horror, death and destruction that await them all. Kunstler captures this in some of the first entries in this journal. There are smiles all around, furtive kisses to sweethearts and little indication of trepidation. Most of the images in this book are of events in the confederacy; the only image containing Lincoln is the first one, which depicts the Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858. There are images of battles, troop movements, commanders in conference and troops on parade after battle. In most cases, Kunstler deconstructs the painting, showing distinct sections and explaining in detail what his intent was in creating that particular subimage. This book is an existence proof that a book in a very rare category is possible. It is an example of a book of paintings that can be used to teach history, the approximate century and a half of time has allowed for some historical perspective to be applied to these tragic times. Kunstler captures these events in a way that no one else has, I strongly recommend this book to all people interested in the American Civil War. Given the way Kunstler explains his techniques, this is also a good book for study in art classes.

Mort Künstler is a fine artist who has made the Civil War one of his important areas of work. He is known for the accurate historical detail in his paintings that come from extensive research and careful composition. While they depict historical scenes, these paintings do not duplicate photographs. Remember, at the time of the Civil War photographs took a great deal of time to set up and expose the film. So, the kinds of action scenes and small moments depicted in Künstler's work are not scene in most photographs. Yes, he uses photographs of buildings and places to place them in his work, but the composition is all his. While the detail of uniforms, buildings, weapons, and so much else in his work is spot on, you should not think these are mere illustrations of events. His composition, use of light, color, texture, line, and the way our emotions are enlisted show these paintings as important historical artwork. This book not only shows the full paintings, you also get a very interesting article about the composition of the painting, details of the painting in larger format, a bit about the historical event painted, and even some photographs that were helpful to the artist in putting the painting together. You can see the care put into these artistic works when you see these photos and the finished work of art. Pay attention to the horses. Künstler prides himself in his ability to paint horses and I have to say I think his pride is well judged and justified. He also includes some of the sketches and studies he made in preparing to make the final painting. There are more paintings of the Confederate forces and its officers than of the Union and its officers. I don't know why this is so, but I suspect that the romance of the South creates more demand for art than are requested in the North. More than a few of these paintings are about General Robert E. Lee or include him. He is always depicted with nobility, moral gravity, and even grace. However, the artist always plays it straight. He does not turn his art into propaganda by changing history to depict it as someone might wish it to have been. I encourage you to take time to linger over these paintings and let the image reveal itself to you in ways that a quick glance can never provide. The detail and power of the composition comes with time and study. The four volumes are arranged chronologically. Volume 1 and is titled "Fort Sumter to Antietam". Actually, it is from the Lincoln-Douglas Debates through Lee's Night Crossing of the Potomac after the battle at Antietam on September 19, 1862. This volume's 44 paintings have a focus on Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson more than anyone else, although there are many wonderful paintings on subjects such as Jeb Stuart's ride around McClellan in June of 1862. You can also see a wonderful clash of arms between regular soldiers of both sides at Second Manassas in August of 1862. Volume 2 takes you from "Fredericksburg to Gettysburg" and includes 47 pa

The name Mort Kunstler is synonymous with quality Civil War art. Kunstler has been practicing his art for over 30 years now and this delightful little volume presents Civil War aficionados with a delightful and inexpensive way to sample his work. Within the book's 235 pages Kunstler takes the reader through an art-filled tour of Civil War events from 1861 to late 1862. Over 40 artworks are featured, often with close-up detail views, preliminary pencil sketches, etc. Kunstler describes the event depicted along with why and how he came to paint that particular view. Stonewall Jackson seems to be a Kunstler favorite since he figures in 20 of the pieces, appearing more times than Lee! Kunstler's work is both accurate and evocative. I especially loved his night-time scenes such as 'Confederate Winter,' 'Winds of Winter' and 'Lee Takes Command' with the very effective use of pinpricks of light in the blue/blackness of the night. Likewise his use of sunlight in 'I Will Be Moving Within the Hour' and 'After the Snow' helps create memorable images. To be honest, for battle scenes, I prefer Don Troiani but Kunstler runs a close second. Mort Kunstler's Civil War paintings have been featured in over half a dozen books. Many or all of the pieces in this book may have been previously published. However, as an inexpensive ($18.95) sampler to a master's work, this book can't be beat.

For technical reasons (primarily the size of the equipment), Civil War-era photography was often limited to posed portraits and post-battle scenes. Kunstler paints vivid works that portray historic moments that any Civil War buff has read about, but until now has only pictured in their imagination. Descriptions of the action and Kunstler's working methods accompany each picture.