Early this year, I was contacted by Norwich University. A Norwich alum named Edward B. Williston was awarded a Medal of Honor for his valor on the second day of the Battle of Trevilian Station, June 12, 1864. This was not one of those bullshit Medals given for capturing a flag or for political reasons. This was the real deal–Williston fought his guns right on the skirmish line. When he wrote his report of the battle, Wesley Merritt, in describing Williston’s performance, wrote, “The light 12’s were magnificent.” Norwich informed me that it had commissioned Dale Gallon to paint a scene of Williston’s performance at Trevilian Station. I gave Dale everything I had: the Medal of Honor file, a copy of the book, and some miscellaneous stuff.
I gave them what information I had, and then offered to show Dale the battlefield, as I felt it critical that he get the terrain right. The first weekend in June, JD, Dale, a representative of Norwich, and I drove down to Trevilians from Gettysburg for a battlefield tour. It made for a long, but fun, day. We covered the whole battlefield, but focused in particular on the second day’s battlefield and the area where Williston did his deed of gallantry. Dale spent a good bit of time getting the lay of the land and the right perspective, and I believe he’s portrayed it as accurately as it can be portrayed.
The print of the painting has been released. I’ve got a copy of it coming. I can’t wait to see it full-size, but I think that Dale got it just right.
Have a look.
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Just an FYI. The link to a copy of the painting doesn’t work.
JFE
It’s fixed now. Thanks for letting me know, Jim.
Eric
The painting is simply wonderful. This past July I was in Gettysburg doing some talks on the battlefield for the Park, and Dale came by to pick me up and take me to his studio at his home for a preview of the painting. Seeing the original oil there on an easel, about 75% complete, was amazing. You must see the originals of these paintings to truly appreciate them. I had nothing but compliments to pay Dale about it. As Eric says, he got it right – the terrain is right, the accuracy is perfect and very well interpreted, and it’s very realistic.
I own several of Dale’s prints (they adorn my home and office) but I must say this is one of his best. Kudos to Norwich for selecting Dale, and kudos to Eric for his hard work in helping Dale get it right.
J.D.
Hello! I apologize for straying from the subject at hand, but I was wondering if I couldn’t pick the brains of those of you who are astute enough to frequent this great site for just a moment. I happen to work at The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar (www.tredegar.org) and was wondering if I could get some feedback from those of you who have visited the museum as to how we could improve your visitation experience. I have been trying to push this new museum to those who have more than just a passing interest in the history of the Civil War (i.e. people like Eric). It seems like we are attracting those interested in a general history, but not those who have a very detailed knowledge of the war. For those of you not familiar with the museum, it is housed in the 1861 Gun Foundry of the Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond, Virginia and seeks to tell the story of the Civil War from the three perspectives of North, South, and African-American. The exhibit is 10,000 square feet, houses over 100 artifacts, and includes four films. My questions are very simple: for those of you who have visited the museum, what did you think? And for those of you who haven’t, what’s kept you from coming? Any feedback you could lend would be most helpful. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this, and I apologize again for straying from the subject matter.
Yours Truly,
Jimmy Price
This is very interesting.
Edward B. Williston was married to my great aunt. (Flora Chatfield).
Jim
i just wanted to say your website mr wittenburg is really fun to read i just found it last month and check it out every week
I have an original oil painting “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by M Coleman. I am trying to find out how much it is worth.
I also have a copy of the charge of the light brigade by M Coleman. I am trying to find out about the artist. I was dissapointed to see a note from Carol saying she also has one. Are there loads of copies made by this person? It is very well painted and I do love it. I bought it about 16yrs ago.
many thanks
karen
Hi Karen
I see nobody had answered. I am still trying to find out how much this painting is really worth. It looks similar to the painting “Scotland For ever” by Lady Butler but it is not quite the same. Sometimes I spend ages on the internet but don’t get any further. The only M Coleman artist I can find is American and seems to only paint animals or indians. The painting must have taken ages to do and is in such detail that surely it must be worth something but goodness knows how many there are. I did find a site once that did prints of it but now I can’t find that again. Have you found out anything else?
hi Carol, I have been searching for artist M.Coleman for 3 years and did once find a reference to a oil painting sold at auction in America ,i think it was 1929 by M.Coleman oil on canvas “charge of the light brigade”..sold for $60 odd dollars. I also have an original oil painting same subject and same artist..would you mind sending me a photo of the signiture on yours so we can compare..thanks .
Julie
Hi Julie – I am not sure how to attach it on here. Can you e mail me to carol250@btinternet.com and then I will reply and attach it, thank you.
I have an oil on canvass painting which seems to depict the charge of the light brigade, signd by M. Coleman, as well. I purchased it from a shop in Laguna Niguel Ca. in the 1980’s. I thought it might have some value but, after reading the inqiries, I am beginning to doubt it. Does anyone have any idea as to the value of it or why there are so many prints of it?
I really can’t quite understand why an oil in such beautiful detail (and you see new things every time you look at it), cannot be traced. Why is nobody interested in purchasing such a lovely painting. I have seen Lady Butler’s painting in Leeds Town Hall and though the same scene obviously, there are big differences in the painting, for instance the sky to start with. Is M Coleman the same artist who has done the American wild animals or is he, as someone else has suggested a Royal College Artist. Somebody must know who the person is who has put his name to such a marvelous oil as I have. I have seen pathetic paintings go for thousands and yet a painting in this great detail is shrouded by mystery. I think I once saw my painting had sold at 18,000. It is a lovely painting to grace anyones room who appreciates art
Hello all. I actually stumbled upon this page while searching for “M. Coleman”. My family has an enormous oil painting by this same mysterious artist of Napoleon accepting the surrender of the Russians at the Battle of Austerlitz. The painting must be at least 5′ wide and 4′ tall, and is beautifully detailed. I have searched and searched and searched, and have come up short every time. Has anyone else made any progress in coming up with information on this artist?