Don Troiani. "Sons of Erin." A/A

Southbury: Historical Art Prints, 1996. 31 3/4 x 40 frame. Giclée on paper. 1279/1500. Framed with triple matting and preservation glass. Signed in pencil by artist. Contains certificate of authenticity. Excellent condition. 

Don Troiani (born 1949) is an American painter renowned for his highly realistic depictions of American military history, particularly scenes from the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. His work is academic in style and is most often executed in oil on canvas or gouache on paper. Troiani is known for using posed models dressed in clothing and equipped with gear from his extensive collection of original uniforms, accoutrements, insignia, and weapons. He also conducts meticulous firsthand research, studying battlefields, weather conditions, and surviving structures to ensure historical accuracy. Some of his original paintings have been exhibited at the Museum of the American Revolution and the Heinz History Center.

This image depicts the 69th New York Volunteer Regiment fighting at the Battle of Antietam. During the battle, General Thomas Meagher personally led the 69th New York as the Irish Brigade charged the Sunken Road. Over the course of three brutal hours, the regiment launched five assaults against well-entrenched Confederate defenders. The fighting grew increasingly savage, devolving into hand-to-hand combat as the 69th reached the Confederate lines. Eight color-bearers were shot down in succession. Meagher himself had his horse killed beneath him and was carried from the field unconscious. Having suffered catastrophic losses—nearly 60 percent casualties—the shattered regiment was finally forced to withdraw.