The Making of a Masterpiece - 10

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

Beyond the courage and compassion that she showed on the battlefield, Clara Barton’s greatest feat was the founding of the American Red Cross. According to their website, “Barton's legacy is reflected in the volunteers and services provided daily by the American Red Cross today.” I hope this painting passes on to the viewer the emotions that I felt while painting it and is accepted as my personal tribute to Clara Barton and the entire nursing profession. What would we do without them? - Mort Künstler

The Making of a Masterpiece - 9

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

Lying among this sea of bloody blue uniforms was a number of gray-clad wounded in need. One rebel, Captain Thurman Thomas of the 13th Mississippi Volunteers, was caught behind enemy lines, but grateful for the mercy he received. Barton treated the wounded Confederate with the same care and concern that she employed with her own boys. Her act of charity for Thomas and his companions echoed the sentiment that true compassion drew no political distinction.

The Making of a Masterpiece - 8

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

Known as the “Angel of the Battlefield,” Clara Barton remains one of the most beloved figures from the American Civil War. Her selfless dedication to aid others is still celebrated, and today The American Red Cross carries on her mission.

The Making of a Masterpiece - 7

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

Walt Whitman had traveled from Brooklyn to Fredericksburg in search of his brother, who had been listed among the wounded at Fredericksburg. Later on Whitman found out that his brother had only suffered a superficial wound, yet Whitman stayed for nearly a month to aid the wounded.

The Making of a Masterpiece - 6

The Angel of the Battlefield
Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

By placing the scene outside, I was able to face southwest and not only get a view of the house but also capture the great vista of the 'Spires of Fredericksburg.' By setting the time of day at about sunset, the lighting became my best ally. - Mort Künstler

The Making of a Masterpiece - 5

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

Located in Falmouth on what was called Stafford Heights in Stafford County, the history of the Plantation House is spectacular, as is the view of the river and Fredericksburg. The visitors list itself is awesome. It is the only building ever visited by Washington and Lincoln. Famed Virginia visitors were Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee, and numerous Union generals used it as their headquarters. - Mort Künstler

There were no fewer than twelve hundred men crowded into the rooms of the mansion, with rows more stationed outside on the cold hard ground.

The Making of a Masterpiece - 4

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

Add a beautiful building and view, and it seemed to me that this painting would almost paint itself. An extra bonus was that while caring for the wounded outside Chatham (there was not room enough inside), she tended to Confederates as well as Union soldiers. All the elements were there. The key was in the composition so that I could tell the story. – Mort Künstler

Mort has drawn his composition on the canvas; you can already tell what kind of time of day it will be.

The Making of a Masterpiece 3

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

What intrigued me, as an idea for a painting, was that after the battle of Fredericksburg, the building was used as a hospital, and that both Clara Barton and Walt Whitman were there at the same time! What an opportunity; to paint Clara Barton, the icon of American nursing, and Walt Whitman, an icon of American Literature! – Mort Künstler

After Mort has settled on the composition, he draws on a brown piece of paper to help him mark where the lighting effects would be.

The Making of a Masterpiece - 2

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

Following the Battle of Fredericksburg in December of 1862, Clara Barton tended to hundreds of wounded men at a field hospital that had been established at the Lacy House, also known as Chatham.

You can see that Mort is finalizing his concept. At this point he has a better idea as to what the painting will look like.

The Making of a Masterpiece - 1

The Angel of the Battlefield

Clara Barton with Walt Whitman at Chatham, December 1862

I knew of Chatham. I saw it from Fredericksburg, on the other side of the Rappahannock, but I had never gone there. Also known as the Lacy House during the Civil War, I finally had a chance to visit the National Park Service site last year and was immediately taken with its beauty, location and history. – Mort Künstler

Mort draws preliminary sketches trying to come up with his concept, and the right angle and perspective. Some of these drawings may be as small as six inches in width.