The Official Mort Künstler Blog

A New Look at Washington Crossing You Know What

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:46:00 +0000

On Dec. 26. 2011, the 235th anniversary, in the auditorium of the refurbished New York Historical Society, Mort Kunstler, the well-known history painter, revealed on a large screen on the stage a whole new look at one of the most famous events in American history. George Washington and his Life Guard cross the Delaware, with ice all around them, not in floes, but in a continuous whitish sheet. Their craft is a wide flat ferry, which is being hauled on a cable. Washington stands beside a lone cannon, looking grimly determined, while the men cluster around him. The painting is, to put it mildly, drastically different from the 1851 Emmanuel Leutze version, which was restored and rehung with great ceremony at theMetropolitan Museum of Art on January 16. Backing up Mr. Kunstler was David Hackett Fischer of Brandeis University, author of the Pulitzer Prize winning book, Washington’s Crossing. He confirmed all the details of the Kunstler painting. There were “ferrymen” involved in the crossing, possibly the same ones who operated a peacetime ferry at the site. The Delaware was only 300 feet wide, making a cable more than possible. Ferries had to be large enough to carry carriages and horses in 1776. Did Washington’s whole army use this craft, which looks remarkably fragile? No, Mr. Fischer said. Most of the troops used the big ore barges, called Durham boats. He pointed to several dark shadows in the background of Washington’s ferry, as these backup craft. Will Mr. Kunstler’s painting replace Leutze? Harold Holzer, the noted Civil War historian and Senior Vice President for External Affairs at the Metropolitan, who participated in the NYHS program, declined to make a prediction. But he dwelt on the fact that the Leutze has become “iconic.” It will take time for Mr. Kunstler’s version to reach that status. But everyone agrees it is a superb and fascinating work of art. For those who want a look at the painting, go to the NY Times websiteand type in Dec. 23, Crossing the Delaware, Accurately, by Corey Kilgannon.

written by Thomas Fleming

American Revolution Round Table - January 2012 Newsletter

NY1 Online: Painter Describes His New Version Of "Washington Crossing The Delaware"

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:55:00 +0000

Inside City Hall’s Josh Robin had artist Mort Kunstler compare and contrast his new painting “Washington Crossing The Delaware” with the original painting by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze.

<a href="http://www.ny1.com/content/153202/ny1-online--painter-describes-his-new-version-of--washington-crossing-the-delaware-">Click here to watch the video!"</a>

ABC World News Now: Washington Crossing The Delaware Redux

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Kunstler) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:16:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Kunstler) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:49:00 +0000

"Getting ready to go into New York City for the unveiling of Mort's painting, "Washington Crosses the Delaware" at the New-York Historical Society. We (his family) are very excited to share this public acknowledgment of Mort's talent and hard work with him. We will make sure to post pictures as soon as possible." - Jane Künstler

"Crossing the Delaware, More Accurately"

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Kunstler) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 15:48:00 +0000

"Congratulations Mort on your excellent article in the New York Times. Beautiful painting." -Laurie Norton Moffatt

Click here to read "Crossing the Delaware, More Accurately", by COREY KILGANNON, published in the New York Times on December 23, 2011.

Mort Künstler, a painter based in Long Island, who is known for his historical images, has created his own version of Washington crossing the Delaware River that hews more to the facts than the more famous version.

New Painting Debut! Kunstler finishes the much anticipated "Washington Crossing the Delaware"

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:13:00 +0000

After two months of research, sketching and painting at the easel, Cove Neck historical artist Mort Künstler has finished his version of Washington Crossing the Delaware -- a project intended to retain the drama of the iconic patriotic image painted in 1851 by Emanuel Leutze while correcting its myriad historical errors.

An excerpt from Newsday's article about Kunstler's latest painting. The article was published Sunday, December 4th, and can be seen below.

Click here to read the article online, and make sure to check out full image gallery!

Check back soon for more information about the official unveiling of "Washington Crossing the Delaware"!

Brooklyn College Post 50th Lifetime Achievement Award

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:18:00 +0000

In late September Mort attended the Brooklyn College Alumni Luncheon and Awards Ceremony where he was honored with the Post 50th Lifetime Achivement Award. Below are a few photos from the event.

This was Mort's second award from Brooklyn College. In 1986 he was honored with the Alumni Association's Distinguished Achievement Award, pictured below.

Thanksgiving Weekend Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:38:00 +0000

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The Making of "...How Real Soldiers Live" - Final

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:01:00 +0000

“…How Real Soldiers Live”
Jackson and Lee, Moss Neck, December 25, 1862

This painting can be considered a prequel to the painting “Merry Christmas, General Lee” in which General Robert E. Lee is riding away from the famous Corbin family estate of Moss Neck. On Christmas night, as guests arrived for a party at the mansion, Lee was leaving the small office building of the grand estate where he had attended a Christmas dinner at the invitation of Stonewall Jackson.

“I always wanted to do a painting of that dinner, but could not bear to do a totally indoor scene for my annual winter snow print. After years of trying to come up with a composition that would say ‘snow’ and ‘Christmas dinner,’ I finally composed this painting. It was inspired by the single paragraph in Douglas Southall Freeman’s monumental biography of Robert E. Lee.

My idea was to capture the viewer in an emotional moment. I decided to contrast the cold loneliness of the sentry peering in the window, to the warm convivial atmosphere of the party going on inside. I also used a cool color palette for the outside of the building and, quite naturally, the warm colors at the opposite end of the spectrum for the interior scene. Making the sentry large emphasized the story of the different circumstances of the officers and the sentry. I tried to depict the private as perhaps envious, but in awe of getting this close private view of the two great Confederate generals. It also gave me an opportunity to show them as smiling and very human. In my quest for a new and different look, I also decided on a vertical composition.”

-Mort Kunstler

The Making of "...How Real Soldiers Live" Phase 4

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:01:00 +0000

"...How Real Soldiers Live"
Jackson and Lee, Moss Neck, December 25, 1862

Now you can see the rest of the story – a soldier on duty outside in the bitter cold on Christmas night, standing guard for the officers inside.

The Making of "...How Real Soldiers Live" - Phase 3

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:50:00 +0000

“…How Real Soldiers Live”
Jackson and Lee, Moss Neck, December 25, 1862

Since the building and snow-covered trees have been painted, there is an additional color added to the painting. The purple undercoating is barely visible but is strong enough to give a beautiful dimension to the snow. Can you make out what is yet to be painted?

The Making of "...How Real Soldiers Live" - Phase 2

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:21:00 +0000

“…How Real Soldiers Live”

Jackson and Lee, Moss Neck

December 25, 1862

The inside of the building has been completed. If you look carefully you can see walnuts and oysters on the table. Notice the Christmas tree and the candles which give the warm glow to the scene.

The Making of "...How Real Soldiers Live" - Phase 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:01:00 +0000

This painting can be considered a prequel to the painting “Merry Christmas, General Lee” in which General Robert E. Lee is riding away from the famous Corbin family estate of Moss Neck. On Christmas night, as guests arrived for a party at the mansion, Lee was leaving the small office building of the grand estate where he had attended a Christmas dinner at the invitation of Stonewall Jackson.

“I always wanted to do a painting of that dinner, but could not bear to do a totally indoor scene for my annual winter snow print. After years of trying to come up with a composition that would say ‘snow’ and ‘Christmas dinner,’ I finally composed this painting. It was inspired by the single paragraph in Douglas Southall Freeman’s monumental biography of Robert E. Lee.”

- Mort Künstler

Here you can see Mort has already painted much of what can be seen of the dinner through the outside window of Jackson’s headquarters. “Jackson had received many presents of food from admirers and was able to spread a sumptuous table, not forgetting to have his waiters in white aprons.” Are you wondering why Mort painted so much of the canvas purple or how it will look when completed?

Official 2011 Snow Print Release and Signing

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:27:00 +0000

Schedule for the Official Release and Artist Signing of ...How Real Soldiers Live:

Saturday, November 12, 2011
10 am till 3 pm
Civil War Life Museum Store (Hosted by King James Galleries of Winchester)
829 Caroline Street
Fredericksburg, VA

Sunday, November 13, 2011
11 am till 3 pm
King James Galleries of Winchester
161 Prosperity Drive - Suite 104
Winchester, VA

For more information please call (540) 869-9025 or toll free (888) 217-1865

We hope to see you there!

November Newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:19:00 +0000

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Exciting Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Time to get excited! The new Kunstler website debuts in a few weeks! Get ready for a new experience with Mort Kunstler's Art of America including the debut of a new Christmas Painting! Store specials will make for a special Christmas shopping opportunity.

Stay tuned and be sure to sign up for the newsletter to be notified of the launch date....

The Changing of Seasons

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 01:26:00 +0000

As much as I would like to pretend otherwise, there is no denying summer is really over. And there is an obvious way of knowing as soon as you walk into Mort’s studio. Mort works on a rotating platform under a skylight. He shifts his easel depending on the season. In the Spring, he takes it off the platform, and in the fall it goes back on – all to take advantage of the natural light. I helped Mort move the easel back onto the platform last week. Here you can see the easel after we moved it. And there is Mort “behind the easel” – or should I say in front of his new painting.

-Jane Künstler

Excitement mounts as Mort begins his next painting...

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:10:00 +0000

I have no doubt that 100 years from now that if there is one painting that I am known for, it will be this one... - Mort Künstler

The Spirit
by Bill Bleyer
for Newsday October 9, 2011

Onto the Shenandoah! Print Signing and the 175th Anniversary of Warren County

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:05:00 +0000

On to the Shenandoah!
Print Signing
Saturday, October 8, 2011
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Warren County Courthouse
1 Main Street
Front Royal, Virginia

For more info
Call King James Galleries
888-217-1865

The Making of "General Orders 100" - Phase 5

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Now that the painting is completed, I feel very pleased with meeting this challenge. Through meticulous research and with a little artistic license, I believe I was able to take a little-known moment in American history and bring it to light in both an accurate and interesting manner. I hope you agree. - Mort Künstler

The JAG LCS Alumni Association wanted Mort to paint this little-known moment in American history to help make the general public aware of one of the most important and influential general orders ever given. Upon seeing the original oil painting, the JAG said: “The painting is stunning. We could not be more pleased.”

The Making of "General Orders 100" - Phase 4

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Another challenge was making Lincoln’s office look authentic. The painting and sketches by Carpenter showed clearly that the president’s office was a very busy place, with books leaning against the table legs. Maps were viewed and placed on chairs, books were left open and put on the floor to mark their places. All of the wallpaper, the chairs, the carpeting, the rug and the color scheme are based upon his descriptions. - Mort Künstler

This dramatic painting is nearly complete. Note how the perspective lines have been painted over.

The Making of "General Orders 100" - Phase 3

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

One of my biggest challenges was that although photographs exist of the men I wanted to paint, none of them were taken with the head angles or in the lighting that I wanted. - Mort Künstler

Here you can see most of the people have been painted. The focal point of the painting is Lincoln holding the Lieber Code. When comparing the photographs of the men to the actual painting, it is very easy to identify who is who.

The Making of "General Orders 100" - Phase 2

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

In 1987, I painted a picture of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. I used artist Francis Bicknell Carpenter's notes and sketches as a reference source. As a result, I already knew a great deal about Lincoln's office, the room in which General Orders 100 took place. William Bushong, the historian for the White House Historical Association, was very helpful and provided me with additional information. – Mort Künstler

Mort’s process of the painting is different with each piece. With this painting, Mort started with the background. You can already tell the lighting is going to be quite dramatic.

The Making of "General Orders 100" - Phase 1

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School Alumni Association commissioned Mort to do a painting of the Lieber Code, which became the basis for all international treaties, including the Hague Conventions and the Geneva Accords; and now, almost 150 years later, it is still considered the most significant codification of the customs and practices of war.

There are practically no facts about the meetings that led to the signing of the Lieber Code. These were the exact reasons why the Judge Advocate General’s LCS Alumni Association wanted me to paint the picture. In their mind, it would help make the general public aware of one of the most important and influential general orders ever given. I eagerly accepted the challenge. – Mort Künstler

Before painting, Mort draws in charcoal directly onto the canvas. Above, on the left, you can see Mort drawing up the canvas, with a photograph of the finished drawing on the right.

Painting Presentation

noreply@blogger.com (Mort Künstler) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:43:00 +0000

In September 2010, the Judge Advocate General's LCS Alumni Association began the process of commissioning a Second Regimental Print to honor the work and contributions of Judge Advocates to our Army and our Nation.

Mort Künstler was their artist of choice because he is a preeminent Civil War artist, and because they wanted to select a scene to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the start of the Civil War.

The scene selected for the Second Regimental Print depicts President Lincoln’s approval of General Orders No. 100, otherwise known as The Lieber Code.

The title of the print is: “General Orders No. 100, President Lincoln and the Lieber Code, April 1863.”

The painting will be presented to the Commanding General of the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School during the WWCLE in October 2011.