Morton Künstler (American, b. 1931) Thunder in the Valley, 1992 Oil on canvas 26 x 40 inches (66.0 x 101.6 cm) Signed and dated lower left: MKünstler 92 Mort Künstler's career evolved from illustrating action-packed scenes for men's adventure magazines to becoming one of the most respected artists of American history, particularly focusing on the Civil War. Thunder in the Valley is a striking historical painting that captures the intensity and drama of that conflict. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and accuracy, Künstler brings to life the Battle of New Market, which took place in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley in 1864. The artwork vividly depicts the fierce combat between Union and Confederate forces, focusing on the heroic involvement of the Virginia Military Institute cadets who played a pivotal role in the battle as well as General and previous Vice President John C. Breckenridge in command. Through his masterful use of light, color, and composition, Künstler immerses viewers in the chaotic atmosphere of war while highlighting the courage and sacrifice of those involved. The work is a testament to Künstler's dedication to portraying historical moments with both artistic skill and historical authenticity. EXHIBITED: Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, "Mort Künstler: Images of the Civil War," May 15-August 1, 1992; Hall of Valor Museum, New Market Battlefield, Virginia, "Mort Künstler: Images of the Civil War," August 15-October 15, 1992; Hammer Galleries, New York, "Mort Künstler: Images of the Civil War," November 17-December 5, 1992. LITERATURE: Limited Edition Print, American Print Gallery, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 1992; Hammer Galleries, New York, Images of the Civil War, catalogue, 1992, illustrated; Hammer Galleries, New York, Mort Künstler: Images of the Civil War, November 17-December 5, 1992, illustrated; B. Cornwell, Copperhead, New York, 1993, illustrated; Battle of Chantilly, Atlas Editions, Durham, Connecticut, card 17-04, 1994; The Legends in Gray, Lawson Mardon Post Card, Sparks, Nevada, 1994; J. Robertson, Jackson & Lee: Legends in Gray: The Paintings of Mort Künstler. Nashville, 1995, p. 150-151 and p. 174, illustrated; Civil War Calendar, Lang Graphics, Delafield, Wisconsin, May 1995; The Civil War – The Art of Mort Künstler, Saddle Brook, New Jersey, 1996, card 57; M. Künstler, Mort Künstler's Civil War: The South, Nashville, Tennessee, 1997, p. 176-183, illustrated; Coaster, Sandstone Creations, Phoenix, Arizona, 1998; J. Robertson Jr., The Confederate Spirit: Valor, Sacrifice, and Honor. The Paintings of Mort Künstler. Nashville, Tennessee, 2000, p. 39, illustrated; Civil War Calendar 2003, Lang Graphics, Delafield, Wisconsin, May 2003; M. Künstler, The Civil War Art of Mort Künstler. Seymour, Connecticut, 2004, p. 188-189, illustrated; M. Künstler, The Civil War Paintings of Mort Künstler. Volume 4: Gettysburg to Appomattox, Nashville, Tennessee, 2008, p. 104-109, illustrated; J. Robertson Jr., For Us The Living: The Civil War in Paintings and Eyewitness Accounts – The Art of Mort Künstler. New York, 2010 & 2012, p. 204, illustrated; C. Knight, Valley Thunder: The Battle of New Market, El Dorado Hills, California, 2009, cover, illustrated. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved