Hold at All Cost

This is Mort Künstler limited edition print - Hold at All Cost. General J. Buford, Gettysburg, July 1, 1863. 9:30 am.

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: 9½” x 28½” • Overall Size: 15¾” x 33½”

Signed Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 75

Mort Künstler’s Comments
In the painting, General John Buford and his staff have taken positions behind the dismounted cavalrymen on McPherson’s Ridge, behind a small stone wall and some rail fencing. The firing has just begun at long range, as evidenced by the raised rear sights of the troopers’ Sharps carbines. In portraying Buford’s men, I wanted to show a defensive line in a long, narrow composition that would accommodate many cavalrymen.

With his men in a strong defensive position and the Confederate attack underway, Buford has done his job. He wears a sack coat with a black velvet collar, which enabled me to add some authentic and human touches, such as the watch chain and pipe.

I faced a challenge in showing several cavalrymen up close. The problem is that all the troopers are dressed more or less alike and use the same weapons, which tends to make the picture boring. To address this problem, I emphasized the differences in their faces and varied their poses and uniforms wherever possible.

This scene shows almost every component of a Federal cavalry brigade­ – the commanding officer and staff, the horse soldiers on the frontline, and the unit’s guidon. The number ones on the red and white bars of the flag indicate that this detachment is part of the First Division of the First Corps.

I was fascinated with my subject while working on this painting. The architecture and the lighting were a challenge, and again I had an opportunity to portray Buford at one of the critical moments prior to the Battle of Gettysburg. His foresight in choosing a strong defensive position came into play repeatedly throughout the three-day engagement and would ultimately decide the fate of not only the battle, but the outcome of the war.