Three Auctions this Fall: Künstler Civil War Oil Paintings and Vintage Illustrations

Sotheby's • American Art Auction • New York • Friday, Oct. 6, 2017  • 10:00 am EST • Register to Bid • For more information contact Morgan Martin  at Sotheby's • (212) 606-7280 • morgan.martin@sotheby's.com

Absolution Before Victory

Irish Brigade at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862

2012, oil on canvas, 20" x 42"
Lot #138

As one of the most renowned units of the American Civil War, the Irish Brigade served in the 1st Division of the Second Corps in the Army of the Potomac. Many military historians consider its performance under fire to be extraordinary and some even argue that it was the bravest division of the entire Union Army. 

With the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam approaching, I decided to take the opportunity to paint the Irish Brigade. Although I had previously painted the famous "Fighting 69th" twice [Raise the Colors and Follow Me and Hancock the Superb] I still believed there was more to their story. I realized that instead of painting another battle scene, I could depict the brigade prior to battle. The center of attention in the painting is created by the exuberant action of General Thomas Meagher and Father William Corby.— Mort Künstler

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Heritage Auctions • Illustration Art Signature Auction • Dallas • Friday, Oct. 13, 2017 • 11:00 pm CST/ 12:00 pm EST • Online bidding open now • Click on each image below for more information, or click here • Contact Aviva Lehmann at Heritage Auctions • (212) 486-3530 • avival@ha.com 

Last American on Guam

Male magazine cover, July, 1959

1959, Gouache, 22-1/2" x 16-3/4"

Lot #71095

Machine Gun Molly

Stag magazine interior illustration January 1965

1965, Gouache, 17" x 25-12"

Lot #71096

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Heritage Auctions • American Art Signature Auction • Dallas • Friday, Nov. 3, 2017 • Online bidding open soon  • Contact Aviva Lehmann at Heritage Auctions • (212) 486-3530 • avival@ha.com 

A Fleeting Moment

Stonewall and Mary Anna Jackson, Winchester, Va., Feb. 1, 1862

2003, oil on canvas, 26" x 38"

I chose Winchester again as the setting for this painting of Stonewall and Mary Anna Jackson. It was the winter of 1861-62 that Jackson had established his headquarters there and brought his wife from Lexington. They had little time together during the war, and this was the single longest interlude that they enjoyed. He spent a lot of time that winter moving around Winchester, but he was able to have a precious moment or two with his wife. — Mort Künstler

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 15, 1862

2010, oil on canvas, 23" x 34"

In December of 1862, the small town of Fredericksburg, Virginia bore witness to one of the most one-sided battles of the entire Civil War. After crossing the Rappahannock River and taking possession of the heavily shelled town, Federal troops were devastated during a series of futile assaults on an impenetrable area beyond the city.  Among the sea of bloody uniforms, a number of gray-clad wounded Confederate soldiers were caught behind enemy lines.  Clara Barton, "The Angel of the Battlefield," treated them with the same care and concern that she employed with the Union soldiers. The poet and journalist Walt Whitman was a frequent hospital volunteer and field aide during the war, and was there to assist Clara Barton after this battle. 

Amber's Mirage

Paperback book covers

1982, oil on board, 17-1/2" x 23"