Mort Künstler’s Comments:
In 2002, Larry Silver of Silver Companies in Fredericksburg asked me if I would be interested in doing a painting of the Army of the Potomac’s famous “Mud March.” Silver Companies own the roadside property along where the march occurred, and are developing it as a unique destination called Celebrate Virginia. Company leaders wanted to preserve the site, and somehow commemorate the “Mud March” as a symbol of the American determination that marked both Southern and Northern soldier in the Civil War. At first I wasn’t very interested in a failed military movement that bogged down in the mud of a winter storm. Then I read Frank O’Reilly’s book, The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock, which deals in depth with the “Mud March,” and I became intrigued with the topic – both as an expression of the American will and also as a work of historical art. I decided to accept the commission.

The idea of a Civil War painting showing the struggle of man and animal against nature had tremendous potential for drama. I walked and rode through the same muddy roads on Silver Companies’ property used by the Army of the Potomac in the “Mud March” – and I was struck by the incredible hardships that these American soldiers endured. I was also impressed by the power of the storm and the conditions it created – troops struggling against the elements, cannon, artillery caissons and pontoon bridges bogged in the mud, and teams of horses fighting through the mire. Everyone and everything was wet and dirty, and lightning flashes added even more drama to the struggle.

In the painting, Lt. Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain and his brother, Tom, of the 20th Maine observe from the side of the road in the center background. General Ambrose P. Burnside, commanding general of the operation, is seen in the background on the right side of the painting with members of his staff and his official headquarters flag.

In 2007, the general public will be able to walk along the route of the “Mud March,” as well as see the gun emplacements of the Union army. Thanks to Silver Companies, these Civil War points of interest will be preserved forever. I hope my work will contribute to honoring all Americans of the Civil War generation.