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Mort Kustler Civil War Print Frmd Lee Before The Ball

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 310.00 USD
Mort Kustler Civil War Print Frmd Lee Before The Ball
A touch of magic is displayed as General Lee and soldier guests arrive for the grand ball. * * * Artist: Mort Kustler * * Title: "Before The Ball" * Medium: Print on acid free canvas textured paper * * Image Size: 13"x10.5" * * Edition: Framed and matted calendar printing * * Framing: In high quality mahogany frame, with blue matte * Overall Size: 18"x16"Condition: Excellent condition * It was a fleeting distraction from the hardships of war. In early June of 1863, General Robert E. Lee began moving his Army of Northern Virginia from Fredericksburg, Virginia on the campaign that would end at the battle of Gettysburg. His cavalry division, commanded by General J.E.B. Stuart, encamped briefly near Culpeper, Virginia. The young, flamboyant General Stuart ordered his staff to arrange a ball for officers and guests. * * * The town hall at Culpeper was commandeered as a makeshift ballroom for the occasion, and was appropriately decorated. On the evening of June 4, 1863, Stuart s officers and guests began arriving. Officers wore their dress uniforms, typically adorned with gold braid, brass buttons, and sash and sword belt. Ladies came attired in the finest fashions available in the beleaguered South. Accompanying General Stuart was his wife, Flora, who was visiting her husband s headquarters. Inside, the pageantry and gaiety of the Old South awaited Stuart and his officers. Days later, they would face a bloody confrontation at the battle of Brandy Station, the largest cavalry engagement of the war, and a month later they would be recoiling from the devastating defeat Lee s army would suffer at Gettysburg. At the moment, however, the South s fortunes seemed bright and a brief respite from war awaited them inside. The ball was about to begin.