Nationally Renowned Civil War Artist to Visit State Museum | Arts & Culture

Iconic Civil War artist Mort Künstler will visit the South Carolina State Museum Saturday, Nov. 3, to present gallery talks and autograph books and other items related to his famous paintings.

“We are so pleased to have renowned artist Mort Künstler at the State Museum to give gallery tours and autographs copies of his work,” said JoAnn Zeise, the museum’s curator of history. “We’re looking forward to hearing him talk about his research in creating these wonderfully detailed paintings and the artistic techniques he used to bring these images to life.”

Künstler, regarded as the premiere historical artist in America, is known for his meticulously researched and detailed artwork, which gives the viewer a unique glimpse into the war years.  This attention to detail, combined with his skill as a visual storyteller, has earned the artist a legion of fans nationwide.

He will give talks in the fourth-floor Recent Acquisitions Gallery at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.   Autograph sessions will take place from 10- 11 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. outside the gallery.

Künstler’s appearance is scheduled in conjunction with the museum’s recently-opened show of  his work, For Us the Living: The Civil War Art of Mort Künstler.  The exhibit runs through April 7.

The artist has painted historical periods from prehistoric life to the space shuttle program, but has concentrated on the Civil War years since the early 1980s.  He has become the country’s most-collected Civil War artist, and his works have been collected into books and have adorned a plethora of collectible items from ties and coffee mugs to postcards and puzzles.

“This is also a remarkable opportunity for our guests to have him personalize copies of his work. They will make wonderful keepsakes and presents for the history-buff on everyone’s holiday shopping list,” said Zeise.

Künstler’s talks and the autograph sessions are free with regular museum admission or membership. 

For more information on the event, contact JoAnn Zeise at (803) 898-4942 or joann.zeise@scmuseum.org.