THE VIRGINIA REEL
By John Paul Strain
General J.E.B. Stuart, Mrs. Flora Cooke Stuart, Lt. R. Channing Price,
General Fitzhugh Lee, Captain W. W. Blackford,
Major John Pelham, Captain James Breathed, Sam Sweeney
Christmas Eve 1862 - Near Moss Neck Virginia
Handling time is usually within 5-7 days
but please allow up to 3 wks.
Ships free via FedEx
- Signed Archival Paper Giclée
- Condition: New
- Limited Edition size: 200
- Image Size: 18 1/4" (h) x 29 1/2" (w)
- Created in 2016
- Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
Artist's Description: "It was Christmas Eve of 1862. Rich golden sounds from a great tent echoed throughout the snowy covered hills of General J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry camp. Banjo player Sam Sweeney and his musicians were entertaining General Stuart and his staff members along with Stuart's wife Flora, other wives, and sweethearts. It was a night to remember with merriment, dancing, delicacies to eat such as chicken, turkey, hams, sweet potatoes, butter, 30 dozen eggs, apple brandy (saved for the occasion), whiskey, and a great bowl of egg nog. Dancing the Virginia Reel was a highlight of the celebration. However, General Robert E. Lee had given orders for a major raid by General Stuart's cavalry for Christmas Day. As the band played on, only General Stuart and a select number of officers knew they would be in the saddle before daybreak on another dangerous expedition. Not a word was said at the party about the impending raid. Stuart was happy and cheerful as he enjoyed his moments with Flora. As dawn approached on Christmas Day the bugler sounded the call for boots and saddles. Astounded to hear the orders, troopers had an hour to saddle, draw rations and pack ammunition. As the sun rose above the horizon 1800 horsemen were on the move and crossed Kelly's Ford. But thoughts of the season were still with the men, for it had been a night to remember."
About John Paul Strain: His paintings have been featured on the television shows of C-Span's Washington Journal, The History Channel, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Throughout his career he has won many awards for his art. Reproductions of his work have won numerous 1st place awards and "Best of Show" honors, such as the PICA Awards, The Printing Industry of the Carolina's, and at the PIAG Awards in Georgia. John Paul is a featured artist for internationally known collector art companies the Bradford Exchange and the Franklin Mint for which he has created a Civil War Chess Set, several limited edition plate series, sculptures, and many other collectible items featuring his paintings. He has also completed a number of commissioned works for the United States Army, which are on permanent display at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Fort McNair, Wasington D.C., and the battlefield visitor's center at Normandy, France. Today, his original paintings can be found in many noted museums such as the Museum of Fredericksburg, and at Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello. Over 90,000 pieces of John Paul Strain's limited edition art and original paintings have been sold and enjoyed!
Display this magnificent work of art proudly and cherish it for many years to come!
Ships flat, does not include a frame.
