Kurz & Allison “Battle of Chancellorsville” [VA]

Kurz & Allison.  “Battle of Chancellorsville.”  [VA]. 

Chicago: Kurz & Allison, 1890.  17 1/2 x 25 (image).  Chromolithograph.  Ink stamp of the Library of Congress bottom right hand margin dated February 5, 1890. Print is entirely backed with old linen applied by the Library of Congress with an ink stamp on verso indicating print is a duplicate.  Old tear in top left hand margin down into image skillfully in-painted.  Four short tears in margins with a diagonal fold upper right hand margin corner.  Some light sun and time-toning in margins with scattered spotting in margins.  Print is stable.  Else, fine condition.  Sold as is.  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that follows from Kurz’s background as a muralist, these prints have a simplicity that makes them not only interesting historical documents but also excellent large scale decorative images.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.