A
series of three paintings depict the events
of October 10th, 1862, when Gen. J.E.B. Stuart,
1800 mounted cavalry, and four cannons raided
the town of Mercersburg. During the two-hour
raid, they "purchased" hundreds
of pairs of shoes, and foodstuffs, and took
nine Mercersburg residents as prisoners.
The
series was created by renowned Historical
artist Ron Lesser
to commemorate the "140th anniversary
of J.E.B. Stuart's Raid through Mercersburg"
Recognized
as one of the premier visual historians of
frontier America, his works are prized by
Individual art collectors and corporations
all over the world.
He is best known for his attention to detail
and historical accuracy. His paintings are
the result of painstaking research and his
god given talent to render the human condition
and the world we live in with uncompromising
realism.
Not
satisfied to simply bring to life important
historical events, Ron Lesser seeks to portray
in each of his paintings "undiscovered
truths" that change our view of the past
and rewrite history for the future.
The
Artist wishes to recognize and thank the following
for their contribution to the series' historical
accuracy:
Bob
Trout -- Respected Civil War Teacher, historian,
and author of numerous books on J.E.B. Stuart
and his Cavalry, including "They Followed
the Plume": The Story of J.E.B. Stuart
and His Staff.
John
Thompson IV -- The author of the definitive
work on the raid on Mercersburg, "General
J.E.B. Stuart's Raid through Mercersburg".
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Civil
War paintings are prized for their realism,
composition and Historical accuracy.
In
the tradition of the grand masters of Civil
War Painting, Ron
Lesser has created a moment in Mercersburg's
history -- so real and compelling that you
think you are actually there.
"You
can almost hear the rumble of the cannons
and the collective breath of the Confederate's
magnificent horses as the spirit their way
toward you."
Ron
captures the rainy fall day perfectly, from
the leafless trees to the sparse grasses.
He paints the light dispersed by the rain
clouds from slightly behind the figures, as
the cavalry rides north. The horse's hooves
spray mud everywhere, as it had been raining
all morning. Even the chill of the day is
captured on the visible breath of the horses.
The
uniforms, military hardware, and personnel
are perfect.
From
General Stuart's red lined cape and somewhat
wet, plumed hat, to the red ribbon rosette
on his left lapel. This detail, although known
to his family, has never been included in
a painting of Stuart before -- an historical
first.
Each
officer's face is a "portrait".
Compiled from rare, period photographs and
descriptions.
Ron's
attention to Stuart's staff attire is no less
disciplined. From Col. Butler's buff collar
with three stars and Confederate kepi, to
General Hampton's muttonchops and handlebar
mustache.
The
Confederate cavalry are painted accurately
with both blue and gray uniforms -- history
tells us that many of the rebels had "acquired"
blue Union topcoats along the way.
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In addition
to their role in the 140th Commemoration,
these paintings become important historical
documents for the Town of Mercersburg. Recording
for future generations -- young and old --
those events that shaped town's history.
