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1862-Dated Miniature Painting of Civil War Union Brigadier General LOUIS BLENKER

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,600.00 USD Estimated At:3,600.00 - 4,600.00 USD
1862-Dated Miniature Painting of Civil War Union Brigadier General LOUIS BLENKER
Civil War
Civil War Union General Louis Blencker Miniature Painting
1862-Dated Civil War Period, Original Hand-Painted Miniature Portrait of Union General Louis Blencker, Artist Signed and Dated, “Th. Wust / Washington / 1862”, Choice Near Mint.
A beautifully rendered, quality Hand-Painted Portrait Miniature of Union General Louis Blencker in his Dress Military Uniform on natural white material, shown with a red silk lined cloak over his left shoulder. This chest-up Portrait Painting is Signed by the Artist over Blencker’s left shoulder, “Th. Wust / Washington / 1862.”

The Miniature Painting measures 3.25” x 2-5/8” being surrounded by a mat, which was popular in the 1860s. The glass is held in place by a gilt metal surround, and the frame is walnut, the overall size being fully to 5.5” x 4.75”. An inscription on the back reads: “Genl Louis Blencker of Civil War fame painted by his Compatriot Theo Wust Washington 1862.” There is a small hanging loop at the top of the frame on this superb display piece.


Louis Blencker was born in Worms, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany on July 31, 1812. He served as a lieutenant in the Bavarian Legion. Because of his participation in the 1848 revolutionary government, he was forced to leave Germany and Switzerland, coming to the United States in 1849. He first took up farming in Rockland County, New York, then became a businessman in New York City. In April 1861, he was commissioned a Colonel in the 8th NY Volunteers, a unit he had organized.

He distinguished himself at 1st Bull Run, where his regiment covered the Union retreat and recovered two Union colors which the fleeing soldiers had left on the field. He was promoted to Brigadier General for his steady actions. After regrouping, Blencker’s brigade was ordered to West Virginia. The movement was a classic example of the logistical problems which plagued the Union army in the early part of the war.

The unit took part in operations against Stonewall Jackson and fought at the Battle of Cross Keys. After being superseded by the politically connected General Sigel, Blencker returned to Washington and, receiving no further assignments, resigned his commission in March 1863.

He died on October 31, 1863, of injuries he had received from a fall off his horse during the Virginia campaign.