Julia

This is Mort Künstler limited edition print - Julia. Stonewall Jackson and Family, Guiney's Station, April 20, 1863.

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.

Paper Signed and Numbered
Image Size: 18¼” x 18¼” • Overall Size: 23½” x 22¾”

Signed Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 100

Mort Künstler’s Comments
One of the most wonderful moments in the life of Stonewall Jackson occurred on April 20, 1863, when he saw his daughter, Julia for the first time. The child was five months old; she had been conceived in Winchester where Jackson spent the winter of 1861-62 with his wife Anna. Julia was born the following winter, while Jackson was in the Fredericksburg area. The general refused to visit Anna and the new baby during the winter inactivity, feeling he could not abandon his troops even for a short period of time. By April, Jackson decided it would be safe enough for his family to visit him at the front.

Guiney’s Station was the rail head for Fredericksburg, and it was there that Anna and Julia arrived. It was the first time Jackson had seen Anna in more than a year. It was a dreary, rainy day, but Jackson’s spirits were bright. He met his wife and daughter in the railroad car and then led them to a waiting carriage. The troops cheered wildly for the family. On April 29th, he felt it was no longer safe for them to remain at the front, so Anna and Julia left for Richmond immediately. Jackson’s greatest triumph, Chancellorsville, would follow, but at a tremendous sacrifice. He would be fatally wounded on May 2nd and die on May 10th.

As a fitting tribute to the Jackson family, I deliberately used a square composition - shape of the Confederate battle flag used by his troops. The perspective lines form a St. Andrews cross. Baby Julia is at the center with her adoring parents gazing down at her. In some ways it is a sequel to my painting, Until We Meet Again.