The Gettysburg Cyclorama: The Turning Point of the Civil War on Canvas by Brenneman Chris & Boardman Sue

Author:Brenneman, Chris & Boardman, Sue
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Bisac Code 1: HIS036050; HISTORY / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
ISBN: 9781611212655
Publisher: Savas Beatie
Published: 2015-06-18T16:00:00+00:00

Detail of the painting showing General Webb and Lieutenant Cushing. BD

Brigadier General Alexander S. Webb. LOC

Monument to Cushing’s battery at Gettysburg. BD

In the painting, we can see Cushing clenching his wounded abdomen. This scene illustrates the fact that there is very little blood in the painting. The artist did not wish to shock his Victorian audience with blood and gore. However, it is a testament to the skill of the artist that he could convey the idea of violence and strife without showing the gory details. Cushing can be seen being supported by one of his men, pointing toward the oncoming Confederates. The soldier supporting Cushing is presumably Sgt. Fuger. There is some artistic license in this scene. Cushing was killed as the Confederates surged over the wall into the Angle. Several minutes later, General Armistead was mortally wounded. The artist moved Cushing back (to the east) so we can see the famous incident of his death, and still see the Confederate forces inside the Angle at their farthest point of penetration.

Some of the historic keys mentioned the death of Cushing and then mentioned other officers who were killed nearby. Some of these officers were killed on other days of the battle, and not in the area of the Angle. The New York Key mentioned “Gen. Ward, Cols. Merrill, Willard, and Paul Revere all killed near by.” The Chicago key also added “Cols. Ellgood and Cross” to this list. Colonel George H. Ward, commander of the 15th Massachusetts, was killed on July 2 near the Codori farm (see View #3, H). Colonel Ward was posthumously promoted to the rank of brigadier general for his actions at Gettysburg.6 Colonel Merrill was probably a typographical error. The only Colonel Merrill in the battle (Lt. Col. Charles E. Merrill) was not killed or wounded. Colonel Merrill commanded the 17th Maine (III Corps) and was engaged in the Wheatfield on day 2. However, Col. Eliakim Sherrill was killed on July 3 just north of the Angle (commanding Willard’s brigade of Hay’s division, II Corps). Colonel George L. Willard was killed on July 2 in the Codori/Trostle thicket (see M).7 Colonel Paul J. Revere, commander of the 20th Massachusetts, was killed just south of the Copse of Trees by artillery fire on July 2 (see E).8 Colonel Revere was the grandson of Paul Revere of Revolutionary War fame. The authors could not find a record of a Colonel Ellgood; however, Capt. Martin W. B. Ellegood was mortally wounded on July 2. Captain Ellegood was leading a detachment of the 1st Delaware that fought in the area of the Bliss barn (see View #5, D).9 Finally Col. Edward E. Cross, commander of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, II Corps, was killed on July 2 near the Wheatfield (see View #1, Q). Even though many of these officers were not killed “near by,” the references to fallen officers in the historic keys seem to be attempts to market the painting to as many viewers as possible.

It is also interesting to note the yellow flag near Cushing.

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