Kurz & Allison “Fort Pillow Massacre”

Kurz & Allison.  “Fort Pillow Massacre.”  [TN].  [2^nd Colored Light Artillery aka Memphis Battery Light Artillery & 6^th Regiment Colored Heavy Artillery]. 

Chicago: Kurz & Allison, 1892.  17 1/2 x 25 (image).  Chromolithograph.  Three old repaired tears into image.  Old small in-painted fill in image right hand side.  Upper right hand margin corner chipped.  Thin black scuff line in image upper left hand side.  Blue discoloration in bottom left and and top margins due to old blue colored backing board which has been removed.  Print is backed with old dry mounting paper.  Else, good condition.  Sold as is.  A/A

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that follows from Kurz’s background as a muralist, these prints have a simplicity that makes them not only interesting historical documents but also excellent large scale decorative images.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.