Chicago Zouave - United States Zouave Cadets 1860
Chicago Zouave - United States Zouave Cadets 1860
Here is a reconstruction of a Chicago Zouave that were part of Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth’s United States Zouave Cadets in 1860. It was this uniform that went on tour in the United States during the years just prior to the civil war, that caused the “zouave craze” and would go on to heavily influence American military dress during that period. At the outbreak of the Civil War, many state militia regiments as well as some Federal volunteer infantry would outfit companies or their entire unit in this flashy and colorful new style of dress that were inspired by uniforms in vogue in France and Europe during the mid 19th Century. The 19th Illinois Infantry (known as the 2nd Chicago Zouaves) would adopt uniforms of almost identical design to that which is shown here with a few minor differences.
This painting is done on Bristol in acrylic gouache and is signed and dated by the artist.
This Artwork is offered direct from the Artist’s Studio.
About Mark Maritato:
Mark Maritato is an acclaimed historical artist who brings American military historical events to life through his artwork. His original oil paintings of epic military battles, as well as individual soldier uniform studies now reside in numerous private and institutional collections around the world. It was his love for art and history that drove Mr. Maritato to pursue a career as a professional artist. During his formal training in painting and illustration at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Maritato began to paint Civil War subjects in oils. Mr. Maritato’s original oil paintings have become renowned among private collectors and public institutions for their high degree of quality through painstaking attention to detail. Every painting Mr. Maritato creates starts with months, or sometimes years of research on his subject before a brush is loaded with paint: all to ensure that each painting is created with highest degree of accuracy possible, in the tradition of the old master military painters.
In 2019, Mr. Maritato was chosen by the US. National Park Service at Valley Forge Historical Site in Pennsylvania to hand-paint 16 custom original artworks that would be reproduced as part of the permanent museum wall display at the park’s newly renovated visitor’s center and would play a large role in the park’s educational mission. In 2012, Mr. Maritato was commissioned by the Monmouth historical battlefield park in Manalapan, New Jersey to paint seven historical paintings that would be incorporated as part of the park’s new museum display. In both instances, Mr. Maritato worked hands-on with park historians and rangers to ensure the accuracy of every important detail shown in the artworks. Previous to this, in 2009-2010, Mr. Maritato was commissioned by Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Inc. to create three epic paintings on the battle of Gettysburg. Mr. Maritato has also served as a military consultant specializing in Civil War era uniforms and tactics for television and film. Mr. Maritato’s artworks have also been featured on wayside and park exhibits at the Manassas national battlefield park in Virginia.
"I consider myself blessed, and am very thankful to be able to combine the study of military history material culture through my artwork. I wish to thank all of my collectors and patrons for your support of my work."
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