Artist Mort K^BENT^00FC^EENT^nstler's latest release, 'Merry Christmas General Lee,' is set at Caroline County's Moss Neck Manor.

Mort K^BENT^00FC^EENT^nstler will unveil his painting in Fredericksburg.

Renowned Civil War artist Mort Künstler will unveil his latest release, "Merry Christmas General Lee," which has Fredericksburg-area connections

Date published: 11/3/2007

ON CHRISTMAS DAY 1862, two of the most celebrated names of the Confederacy came together to celebrate the birth of their Savior in the midst of the Civil War. It was on this most sacred of holidays that Maj. Gen. Robert E. Lee, the supreme commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, accepted an invitation to dine with his subordinate Lt. Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson at his winter headquarters on the grounds of Moss Neck Plantation near New Post in Caroline County.

After sharing a meal at the outbuilding that had been used as Jackson's office, Gen. Lee bid his audience farewell and proceeded toward his own headquarters to attend to the details of war. While departing, the general passed a parade of guests who were arriving for a holiday party at the main house of the manor. Most likely experiencing surprise and awe, many of the guests stopped in their tracks to offer a "Merry Christmas" to the legendary rider passing them.

Such is the story behind the latest release by renowned artist Mort Künstler. Titled "Merry Christmas General Lee," this magnificent oil captures one of the more intimate events in the Fredericksburg area's Civil War history. Adding to the charm of the piece is the fact that it was almost forgotten and remained on an easel in Künstler's studio for years.

Künstler will unveil the painting and sign prints in an appearance Saturday, Nov. 10, at St. George's Episcopal Church in Fredericksburg, sponsored by King James Galleries of Winchester.

Intrigued by Moss Neck

In a phone interview, the painter, whose studio, Künstler Enterprises Ltd., is in Oyster Bay, N.Y., explained the story behind this project that was almost abandoned. He recalled one of his earlier pieces featuring the grand estate titled "Review at Moss Neck," which depicts a review of the troops by Gens. Lee, Jackson, Longstreet and Stuart. Künstler explained that this was the painting that had led to his fondness for the setting at Moss Neck Plantation. He described the inspiration for his newest piece.

"I have always been impressed by that plantation," he said, "and I wanted to do another painting featuring more of its stately manor. I was aware that Jackson had kept his winter quarters there during 1862, and once I was told the story of Lee and him sharing Christmas dinner together, I was intrigued."

He added: "Now, anyone who has studied either of the generals knows, neither Lee nor Jackson would have been at a 'party' during wartime. It simply wasn't in their nature. Therefore, I decided to paint a piece that showcased Lee's quiet departure, as well as the awe that he struck in those around him."

After starting with the initial concept, the painter found himself in a quandary over the natural elements in the scene's surroundings.

Mort Künstler will unveil "Merry Christmas General Lee," and sign prints of his painting on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church, Faulkner Hall, 905 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg. The event is sponsored by King James Galleries of Winchester. Those interested in reserving a print for the day of the signing may call the gallery at 888/217-1865. The gallery also will have many of Künstler's older prints, framed and unframed, available for purchase on the day of the signing. To see the painting, visit Künstler's Web site at mortkunstler.com.

Date published: 11/3/2007