The Civil War Paintings of Mort Kunstler, Vol. 1: Fort Sumter to Antietam (Hardcover)

by Mort Kunstler (Author), William C. Davis (Foreword)
Key Phrases: first national flag, Shenandoah Valley, Stonewall Jackson, Arlington Plantation (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
For nearly thirty years, Mort Künstler has focused his considerable artistic talent on interpreting the Civil War. In crafting his work to reflect poignant moments or critical circumstances of the conflict, he has turned to leading historians and scholars—such as Henry Steele Commager, James McPherson, William C. Davis, and James I. Robertson Jr.—for informative details that he has then translated on canvas to create an indelible image of this defining ordeal in America's history. More than 160 of these images—supplemented by preliminary sketches, early studies, and photographs of works in progress—are the basis for these four volumes.
Künstler has also explored the human side of this national struggle. Thus he has produced thoughtful studies of leaders at decisive moments, instances of daily camp life for the soldiers, and those early romantic notions that it would be a bloodless war, predicated on the belief that a show of inner strength would prevail.
Historian James I. Robertson Jr. recently noted, "Among the handful who truly sense the human, indelible element of that war is Mort Künstler. That alone goes far in explaining why he is the premier Civil War artist of our time, if not of all time. ...His subjects are always widely appealing to the eye and to the mind. [He] pursues accuracy to an extent that would make some historians blush."
In the past twenty years, Künstler's portfolio has been published in twelve books, including companion pieces for the epic films Gettysburg and Gods and Generals. These paintings are reproduced here along with a lively history of the war.

About the Author
Mort Künstler is the reigning dean of American historical artists. No other artist has illustrated so many events in American history with such authenticity and drama, from cave-dwelling Native Americus to the space program. He has had numerous one-man exhibitions at galleries such as the Hammer Galleries in New York City; he also was the subject of a one-hour special on A&E Network's Time Machine. His previous books include Images of the Civil War, Gettysburg, Jackson and Lee, and The Civil War Art of Mort Künstler. He lives in Oyster Bay, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581825560
• ISBN-13: 978-1581825565
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #640,625 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous Introduction to a Master's Work!, January 17, 2007

By	Michael OConnor "Wordsmith" (Wausau, WI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Kunstler is the master of the historically accurate painting, they could be used in history and art classes, October 28, 2008

By	Charles Ashbacher "([e-mail])" (Marion, Iowa United States([e-mail])) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the first of four volumes of fine paintings of the Civil War, October 6, 2008

By	Craig Matteson (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

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 paintings. While Lee and his officers are given center stage often, we begin to see more of the Union including Joshua Chamberlain who became immortal at Little Round Top even before he entered the service. There are also more depictions of battles with gunfire, smoke, and struggle. We see some magnificent depictions of winter scenes and a touching scene of Stonewall Jackson seeking divine guidance and another with his beloved Anna and their daughter, Julia. She was five months old when he saw her. The painting "End of a Legend" depicting the death of Jackson is one of the most dramatic of the entire series. Actually, he was wounded in this painting and died later. His death is depicted by a gorgeous vision of his last words "Let us cross over the river and rest under the shade of the trees". The trees are ablaze in fall colors and he is standing strong and alone looking his horse as it drinks from the river. We also get a painting of Robert Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts that were the subject of the film "Glory". The height of Lee's glory at Chancellorsville in May 1863 is also given a powerful representation.

Volume 3 is devoted to the campaign and battle of Gettysburg. Its 39 paintings include a series on General Armistead's charge across the field, and another at Little Round Top. Many of the other events of the battle are given their own depiction as well. The battle scenes are dramatic and frank about the violence without ever displaying the gore of battle merely to shock or cause revulsion in the viewer. Yet, I did find some of the images involving in ways that made me feel for the soldiers of both sides. We also see Pickett in several paintings, but never as a failure. The most powerful and poignant of the paintings is of Lee when he accepted full responsibility for the defeat at Gettysburg by saying it was all his fault. How many of our so-called leaders every display such nobility today?

Volume 4 takes us from the end of Gettysburg to Appomattox. These 40 paintings include a wide range of topics and do show more of the Union's victory in the war. We see Grant at Vicksburg, Sherman in Atlanta, and many of generic soldiers in battle. I was particularly moved by the painting of the boy soldiers at Gettysburg entitled "Veterans of Gettysburg". We also get several individual portraits of many of the key officers in the war. The dejection of the South at the end of the war and the weariness of both sides is shown well. Lincoln's assassination is shown by a painting of the Lincoln Memorial rather than yet another image at Ford's Theater. We also see a Confederate soldier returning to his home, his wife, child, and the land he fought for. The last image is of Lee visiting the grave of Stonewall Jackson.

This collection is a treasure. If you are interested in the Civil War, American History, American Painting, or even in history painting in general, this is great collection to have.

You can also order these volumes individually:

Civil War Paintings of Mort Kunstler: Vol. 2: Fredericksburg to Gettysburg

The Civil War Paintings of Mort Kunstler, Vol. 3: The Gettysburg Campaign

The Civil War Paintings of Mort Kunstler, Volume 4: Gettysburg to Appomattox (Civil War Paintings)

Or you can purchase all four as a set:
Civil War Paintings

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI