Rothermel, Peter F. “The Battle of Gettysburg.”

Peter F. Rothermel.  “The Battle of Gettysburg.” 

New York: Rothermel, 1872.  20 3/4 x 35 1/2. (image).  Engraving by John Sartain on chine appliqué mounted to heavier paper backing as originally issued.  Facsimile signatures by artist and engraver in bottom margin.  Margins of paper backing trimmed to edge of chine appliqué.  Two repaired tears into image.  Scattered foxing and time-toning throughout.  Print needs professional paper conservation.  Else, fine condition.  Sold as is.  A/A

Rothermel’s famous painting of the Battle of Gettysburg was the official Pennsylvania memorial.  Commissioned by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1866 to commemorate the role Pennsylvanians played in the battle, Pickett’s Charge was the turning point for the Union victory.  Unveiled in Philadelphia in 1870, the painting traveled extensively before being mounted in Harrisburg in 1894.  Under the care of the State Museum of Pennsylvania since 1905, the painting was moved to the Museum in 1964 and restored in 1989.  As one of the foremost American painters of historic subjects, Rothermel was the natural choice when the Pennsylvania Legislature decided to commission a large print of the action at Gettysburg. This monumental print was engraved by the leading American engraver of the day, John Sartain, and it is a bright reflection on the talent of both.  Rothermel’s composition shows the battle raging along a ridge, the forces furiously engaged in hand-to-hand combat.  Sartain’s engraving is superb, bringing out the depth of Rothermel’s conception and exhibiting excellent detail.  A classic memorial to the battle.