His work met immediate success and was showcased at a premiere gallery in the Rocky Mountains. Acclaimed for his paintings of the Old West, he eventually moved to Texas to work full time in the field of historical art. His early art, prints and posters depicting Civil War subjects produced the same enthusiastic response as his Western Art, and in the 1980s John Paul Strain began to concentrate on the Civil War. Few artists in the field have gained such widespread popularity so quickly.
His art, prints and posters are now acclaimed among collectors, who prize his studies of Lee, Jackson, Forrest and other Civil War leaders, as well as his scenes of conflict and pageantry. His distinctive artistic style, which combines bright colors and contrasting shadows, and his devotion to historic authenticity have dramatically increased his popularity. Today, his original art is displayed throughout America and among collectors of fine art limited-edition Civil War prints. Artist John Paul Strain has become an American favorite.
"Stuart's Christmas Raid" John Paul Strain S/N Limited Edition Print
Generals J.E.B. Stuart, Fitzhugh Lee, and Major John Pelham
Fairfax Courthouse, Virginia - December 1862
This is the fifth print in the Lions in Winter Collection Not wishing to rest on his laurels after the success of the battle of Fredericksburg, General J.E.B. Stuart planned a raid to disrupt Federal supply lines, cut telegraph communication, and force General Ambrose Burnside to weaken his position on the Rappahannock by sending countering forces. Other benefits of Stuart's raid would be to keep his men sharp and active and well supplied with captured stores.
The column headed out the day after Christmas with 1800 cavalrymen and four artillery pieces. As was usual with Stuart's raids, the cavalry covered many miles and had a number of small successful engagements where enemy soldiers, wagons, and equipment were captured. On the road to the town of Occoquan, Stuart's scouts detected two regiments of Federal cavalry setting up an ambush in the woods along the road. Stuart ordered General Fitzhugh Lee (Robert E. Lee's nephew), and the First Virginia cavalry to ride over the force and clear the woods. Without a moment's hesitation the 1st Virginia roared forward overcoming the surprised Federals and captured 100 of the fleeing Federal troops. Continuing the pursuit, Fitzhugh Lee and his men chased the Federals through the icy waters of Selectman's Ford. The ford was "narrow, rocky, and very difficult" to cross, and to everyone's amazement, Major John Pelham was able to drive his guns through the ford which was said to have been impassable by wheel. Arriving at the deserted Federal camps, Stuart's men carried off anything of value and burned the rest.
After regrouping Stuart's cavalry arrived after dark at Burke's Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and took over the telegraph office. General Stuart listened to his own telegraph operator describe the buzzing hornet's nest of the Federals communicating with each other on how to catch "the rebel raiders." Typical of General Stuart's audacious personality, he then sent his own message to the Federal commanders, complaining that the poor quality of Union mules was such that they were incapable of pulling all the supplies that Stuart had captured. Stuart attached his signature to the message, and decided that since the enemy now knew his position it was time to move. Figuring the Federals would assume his force would head south, Stuart and his men headed north to Fairfax Courthouse to surprise his opponent once again.
At Fairfax Courthouse Stuart's luck changed as their column began to take fire from a large Federal force waiting in ambush. But Stuart's men did not return fire, puzzling the Federal troops. A Federal soldier under a white flag of truce was sent to ask if the unknown force was friend or foe. One of Stuart's men sent to meet the soldier advised that the following morning he would have an answer to his question. Stuart ordered enormous campfires to be lighted and used as a screen as he and his men slipped away and escaped during the wintry night.
19-1/2" by 28-3/4" image size, Signed and Numbered print, limited to 400 - $200
Also available in these formats:
19-1/2" by 28-3/4" image size, Signed and Numbered Artist Proof Print, limited to 75 - $300 (Comes with two remarques)
16-1/2" by 24-1/2" Signed and Numbered Studio Canvas Giclee, limited to 65 - $275
16-1/2" by 24-1/2" Signed and Numbered Studio Canvas Giclee Artist Proofs, limited to 10 - SOLD OUT
22-1/2" by 33" Signed and Numbered Classic Canvas Giclee, limited to 75- $525
22-1/2" by 33" Signed and Numbered Classic Canvas Giclee Artist Proofs, limited to 15 - SOLD OUT
27" by 40" Signed and Numbered Executive Canvas Giclee, limited to 10 - SOLD OUT
27" by 40" Signed and Numbered Executive Canvas Giclee Artist Proofs, limited to 4 - SOLD OUT All Limited Edition prints are signed and numbered (S/N) by the artist and include a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited Edition prints are restricted to a certain number. For example, if 400 prints are made from an original painting, once they’re gone, that’s it. There is no limit to the number of open edition prints of a particular painting. That’s why Limited Edition prints are more expensive — and more valuable to collectors — than "open" edition. Rare objects are more valuable. An Artist’s Proof (AP), generally, is the first 10% of the Limited Edition prints that come off the press. If the Limited Edition is 400 s/n, there would be 40 APs. This status is noted on the print. Collectors prefer APs because their value increases even more than a Limited Edition as time goes by. A remarque is a pencil drawing done in the white border area of an art print. The subject of the remarque is usually determined by the artist. Each remarque is a piece of original art which adds to the value of the print by making that particular print unique and exclusive from the rest of the prints in the edition. All Limited Edition artwork is subject to availability at time of order. Although seller strives to remain currrent as to inventory, seller reserves the right to cancel a sale if item is no longer available at time of purchase.
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