The Generals Were Brought to Tears

This is Mort Künstler limited edition print - The Generals Were Brought to Tears. Jackson and Lee, Fredericksburg, Va, Spring 1863.

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: 23” x 19” • Overall Size 29” x 24”
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 1500
Signed Artist’s Proof • Edition Size: 50

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

Masterpiece Collection 34” x 28”
Signed & Numbered • Edition Size: 50
Signed Artist’s Proofs • Edition Size: 15

Mort Künstler Comments
In my continuing search for new painting ideas, I always look for exciting dramatic moments, and events that have never been portrayed before. When I read Lee’s biography by Douglas Southall Freeman and came across a description of Lee and Jackson at a religious revival during the winter of 1862 - 1863, I felt I had a chance to combine both of these elements.

On an estate called “Belvoir,” just south of Fredericksburg, Lee and Jackson attended one of those prayer meetings. They were said to have been sitting side by side, on a log, “moved to tears” one Sunday by the affecting eloquence with which Reverend B.T. Lacy described the homes from which the army had been drawn. To show both of them in such a poignant moment was, I felt, an opportunity for a memorable painting. There were always children at the winter camps and I decided this was also an opportunity to paint my grandson, Tommy, alongside the two generals.

Lee was wearing his uniform of that period, with a standup collar and his three stars with no wreath. Jackson was wearing a new uniform given to him by Gen. J.E.B. Stuart. It had a buff white collar and cuffs and sleeve gilt. He was wearing the butternut cap with trim that was given to him in December 1862.

It is well known that both men were religious. This portrayal of two of the Civil War's most notable figures is in sharp contrast to the fighting men usually portrayed on canvas. I hope this will add to the overall breadth of the images of them that I have been painting for the last ten years.