Washington’s Crossing by Mort Künstler, 2011.
The extraordinary history of the United States is brought to life in a vibrant new exhibit depicting the new nation’s birth. Mort Künstler: The New Nation traces the founding of our country with exquisite detail by artist Mort Künstler, renowned for his evocative portrayal of American history. Featuring 32 of his most recent works, Mort Künstler: The New Nation opened December 10, 2016, at the Heckscher Museum of Art, and runs through April 2, 2017.
The noteworthy exhibit outlines the expansive story of our country’s birth, from settlement through the Revolutionary War, to the inauguration of George Washington. Already known as “America’s Civil War painter,” Mr. Künstler has devoted his career to the entire swath of American history. His paintings are characterized by factual accuracy and emotional depth which bring new insight to iconic historical images such as Washington’s 1776 crossing of the Delaware River and the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
“I want people looking at the paintings to feel like they are there,” said Mr. Künstler. “Since the first painting I did of this time period – Reading the Declaration of Independence to the Troops – I have wanted people to enjoy the work and then learn something in the process.”
Mr. Künstler’s pictures have been exhibited in museums throughout the country, and his paintings are the subject of books and a documentary film. The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp using his Civil War painting Buffalo Soldiers. Mort Künstler: The New Nation captures the artist’s unique vision in interpreting the American Revolution. The artist will share his insights at a gallery talk and book signing on January 12, 2017 at 7 P.M. at the Heckscher Museum of Art.
Included in the exhibit is Mr. Künstler Washington’s Crossing, which reimagines an iconic moment in history. The painting is widely considered to be a more factual rendering of the event, showing Washington on a flatboat ferry in a blinding snowstorm.
The Culper Spy Ring depicts patriot Robert Townsend reading an encrypted letter at his house in Oyster Bay, Long Island, coincidently Mr. Künstler hometown. “This is close to my heart,” Mr. Künstler noted. The house, Raynham Hall, is now a historical site. A second picture by Künstler, Sally’s Valentine, shows the outside of the house.
“I want people looking at the paintings to feel like they are there,” said Mr. Künstler. “Since the first painting I did of this time period – Reading the Declaration of Independence to the Troops – I have wanted people to enjoy the work and then learn something in the process.”
Mr. Künstler’s pictures have been exhibited in museums throughout the country, and his paintings are the subject of books and a documentary film. The U.S. Postal Service issued a stamp using his Civil War painting Buffalo Soldiers. Mort Künstler: The New Nation captures the artist’s unique vision in interpreting the American Revolution. The artist will share his insights at a gallery talk and book signing on January 12, 2017 at 7 P.M. at the Heckscher Museum of Art.
Included in the exhibit is Mr. Künstler Washington’s Crossing, which reimagines an iconic moment in history. The painting is widely considered to be a more factual rendering of the event, showing Washington on a flatboat ferry in a blinding snowstorm.
The Culper Spy Ring depicts patriot Robert Townsend reading an encrypted letter at his house in Oyster Bay, Long Island, coincidently Mr. Künstler hometown. “This is close to my heart,” Mr. Künstler noted. The house, Raynham Hall, is now a historical site. A second picture by Künstler, Sally’s Valentine, shows the outside of the house.
