Although a horrific event, the civil war produced some lovely oil paintings that we still cherish.
Fought between the years 1861 and 1865, the American Civil War cost the lives of 620,000 people. Out of the bloodshed and mourning came some beautiful works of art. Some paintings were painted while the Civil War was happening and some were painted just a few years after.
"The Last Meeting"
Painted in 1869 by artist Everett B. D. Julio, this oil painting depicts Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson sitting on their horses and discussing strategy on the eve of the Battle of Chancellorsville, May 1, 1863. The painting was originally titled "Heroes of Chancellorsville."
"Lee's Surrender to Grant at Appomattox"
L. R. Guillaume is the creative mind behind the famous painting of Generals Lee and Grant sitting down at a table at Appomattox Courthouse to discuss Lee's terms of surrender. In the background you will see other Union generals looking on as the two military leaders talk. Most notable is Eli Parker, who can be seen standing directly behind Grant. Lieutenant Colonel Parker was the Native American officer who drafted the conditions of surrender that Lee signed.
"Abraham Lincoln"
Painted in 1869 by artist George Peter Alexander Healy, this famous oil painting depicts a contemplative President Abraham Lincoln sitting in a chair. Healy's paintings were known for their lack of background detail. He much preferred to place the focus on the object of his work.
"Robert E. Lee"
Artist John Adams Elder not only painted the Civil War, he fought in it. Elder was in Fredericksburg on December 11, 1862, when Federal troops began their assault on the small Virginia town. The next day he enlisted into the Confederate army. After the war, he painted many portraits from memory. He is best known for his eight paintings of General Robert E. Lee and his work was commissioned by both Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia.
