Kurz & Allison “Storming of Fort Wagner”

Kurz & Allison.  “Storming of Fort Wagner.”  [Charlestown, SC- 54^th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment United States Colored Troop].

Chicago: Kurz & Allison, 1890.  17 1/2 x 25 (image).  Chromolithograph.  Repaired tear upper right hand margin.  Chip in upper right hand margin corner.  Cockling (wave) of paper in top margin.  Else, very good condition.  A/A

This print depicts the moment of Colonel Shaw’s death leading the assault.  The Chicago firm of Kurz & Allison firm is well remembered for its production of commemorative prints using the latest technological advances.  Founded in 1880, their avowed purpose was to design “for large scale establishments of all kinds, and in originating and placing on the market artistic and fancy prints of the most elaborate workmanship.”  Elaborate they certainly were– the majority of their prints being extremely busy, with action throughout the image.  The Civil War series (36 in all) which make up the majority of their output were done on or near the 25th anniversary of the war.  Drawn in a rigid style that follows from Kurz’s background as a muralist, these prints have a simplicity that makes them not only interesting historical documents but also excellent large scale decorative images.  A wonderful example of Civil War art and of the output of this Chicago firm.