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Lookout Mountain Civil War View, 31st Ohio Infantry Encampment,

Currency:USD Category:Antiques Start Price:10.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Lookout Mountain Civil War View, 31st Ohio Infantry Encampment,
American, late 19th century, oil on canvas. An outstanding panoramic depicting the 31st OVI camped below Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. There are several inscriptions on the reverse, including one on frame Lookout Mt. From Sketch by A.E. Mathews, 31st O.V.I./ 1864. Other inscriptions on canvas verso identify certain areas of the painting- "Nashville & Chattanooga R.R., Field Hospital, Cemetery, Corps". These inscriptions mirror the precise area on the painting. The painting is housed in the original gilt and gesso frame and original stretcher patented 1886; 26" high x 34" wide (sight).

Lookout Mountain was a famous battle site during the Civil War (November 24, 1863), often referred to as the Battle Above the Clouds because of an unusual weather phenomenon causing fog to hang suspended, encircling the center of the mountain.

Alfred Edward Mathews (1831-1874), the son of a book publisher, immigrated to Rochester, Ohio at age two with his father. A book dealer himself, Mathews served in the 31st OVI during the Civil War. Several sketches of this period are known, but none have surfaced on the market. Mathews became known for his panoramic and topographical views during the Civil War. His work was said to be admired by Ulysses S. Grant. By 1865, Mathews was traveling in the Western regions of the United States, executing sketches of Colorado and California. The artist has remained obscure and little original sketches or lithographs have surfaced. (See Haverstock, "Artists in Ohio", pp. 581)

Condition: Some punctures, clean under blacklight.
34" high x 42" wide (framed)

Provenance: