Lot 496: Xanthus Smith O/C Civil War Painting, Battle of 2nd Manassas AKA Bull Run, 1864

Xanthus Russell Smith (Pennsylvania, 1839-1929) oil on canvas painting, “General Reynolds Rallying the Pennsylvania Reserves at the Second Battle of Manassas,” 1864. Major General John F. Reynolds, on horseback, waves the American flag as he rallies his Pennsylvania Reserves troops against a Confederate brigade shown at left. At right, Reynolds’s Federal troops raise the flag of Pennsylvania. Signed “Xanthus Smith” and dated 1864, lower right. Additionally signed and inscribed en verso: “Gen. Reynolds Rallying the Penna. Reserves at the 2nd Battle of Manassas / Painted by Xanthus Smith.” Housed in a painted wooden frame with stained wooden liner. Sight: 9 3/4 in. H x 16 1/4 in. W. Framed: 12 3/4 in. H x 19 1/4 in. W. Historical Note: At the 1862 Battle of Second Manassas, also called the Second Battle of Bull Run, Reynolds led a rear guard counterattack that bought time for the Union Army to escape potential annihilation. Reynolds ultimately died at the battle of Gettsyburg. He was the highest-ranking officer on either side to be killed in that battle. Biography: Xanthus Russell Smith was born into a family of Philadelphia painters, including his parents and sister. He received initial drawing instruction from his parents until he advanced to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. He enlisted in the Navy during the Civil War and while serving on naval ships, Smith studied the vessels and articulated their detail through meticulously drawn compositions. Smith illustrated naval activity on a small scale. He limited most of his compositions to less than fifteen inches on either side, developing his personal penchant for the “small, compact, and neat.” After Smith’s naval service ended and before his death in 1929, he continued to paint accurate and detailed depictions of sea-going vessels and battles they encountered. His compositions were well received both from patrons and by critics at numerous exhibitions including the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. (Sources: Columbus Museum of Art, Georgia; Michael Zellman, 300 Years of American Art).

PROVENANCE:

Private Knoxville-area Collection

CONDITION:

Overall very good condition, with fine craquelure throughout. Some retouching to sky, largest area to upper left quadrant, 1 inch x ¾ inch, plus scattered retouching to sky around finial and pole of American flag and around Reynold’s upper body (outside of figure), and three minor spots of retouching to sky at left of American flag’s finial. See UV photos. One minute area of loss, lower left edge, and pinhole to upper right corner, in sky. Frame with minor, scattered abrasions.