Oil Portrait of American General Thomas Stonewall Jackson Commander of the Second Corps of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia

Oil Portrait of General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, Dated 1954 – After John Adams Elder – American Civil War Military Portrait A mid 20th century oil on canvas portrait depicting Confederate General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson (1824–1863), dated 1954 and painted after the recognised 19th-century composition popularised by John Adams Elder. This cabinet-scale historical portrait follows the established Civil War iconographic format that shaped Jackson’s enduring image within American military portraiture. The work reflects the continued interest in 19th-century historical subjects during the mid-20th century and demonstrates careful academic handling. Medium oil on canvas, the painting displays layered construction, controlled tonal modelling and subtle glazing typical of traditional studio practice. The surface retains depth and period character consistent with mid-century historical revival painting. Composition: Jackson is shown in dignified three-quarter profile, wearing Confederate frock coat with brass buttons, leather belt, collar insignia and cap. His composed expression and upright posture convey authority and restraint, attributes historically associated with his military reputation. The background is subdued and unobtrusive, isolating the sitter in accordance with formal 19th-century portrait hierarchy. The palette is restrained, with greys, umbers and muted gold tones typical of traditional military portraiture. Technical characteristics include: * Layered oil technique * Careful modelling of facial features and beard * Subtle glazing within shadow areas * Controlled highlights to metallic uniform details * Visible yet disciplined brushwork The Historical Figure: Thomas Jonathan Jackson was born in 1824 in Clarksburg, Virginia (now West Virginia). Despite a modest early upbringing, he gained admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1846. He served with distinction in the Mexican–American War before becoming a professor at the Virginia Military Institute. At the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, he joined the Confederate Army. He first gained national recognition at the First Battle of Bull Run, where his brigade earned the nickname “Stonewall.” In 1862 he assumed command of the Second Corps of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee. His Shenandoah Valley Campaign that same year remains one of the most studied manoeuvre campaigns in American military history. As commander of the Second Corps, he played major roles in the Seven Days Battles, Second Manassas, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Following a successful flanking manoeuvre at Chancellorsville in May 1863, Jackson was accidentally wounded by friendly fire and died shortly thereafter from complications of pneumonia. Following his death at age 39, Jackson became a central figure in Civil War memory and iconography. Numerous portraits and engravings were produced based on the Elder composition, which this 1954 painting follows. Artist and Signature: signed and dated to the reverse: C. Wood 1954 The inscription appears original and contemporaneous with the painting. While the artist is not widely documented, the execution indicates familiarity with academic portrait conventions and established Civil War visual prototypes. Frame: Contained within a later gilt moulded frame of traditional style, complementing the restrained palette and enhancing display within formal interiors, studies or libraries. A compact cabinet picture suitable for private collections of American Civil War memorabilia, military history or historical portraiture. Provenance: Private collection. Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Painted after the recognised John Adams Elder composition. Summary: A considered mid-20th century historical revival portrait of General Stonewall Jackson, commander of the Second Corps of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, executed in oil on canvas and directly referencing one of the most recognised 19th-century Civil War portrait archetypes. An appropriate addition for collectors of Americana, American Civil War material, or traditional military portraiture. Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.