Kurz & Allison “Battle of Bull Run” [1st battle, 1861]

Kurz & Allison.  “Battle of Bull Run.”  [1^st battle, 1861].  [VA]. 

Chicago: Kurz & Allison, 1889.  17 1/2 x 25 (image).  Chromolithograph. Skillfully filled chip in bottom right hand margin corner with small tear just into image at corner.  Circular repaired tear bottom left hand margin.  Diagonal creases top right hand margin corner.  Two repaired tears right hand margin just into image.  A/A

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that follows from Kurz’s background as a muralist, these prints have a simplicity that makes them not only interesting historical documents but also excellent large scale decorative images.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