The Historical Art of John Paul Strain
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John Paul Strain - Historical Artist
Historical Paintings

THE VIRGINIA REEL

General J.E.B. Stuart, Mrs. Flora Cooke Stuart, Lt. R. Channing Price,
General Fitzhugh Lee, Captain W. W. Blackford,
Major John Pelham, Captain James Breathed, Sam Sweeney
Christmas Eve 1862 - near Moss Neck Virginia
The Virginia Reel
The Virginia Reel Remarque The Virginia Reel Remarque
Remarques on Artist's Proof Paper Giclee Edition

It was Christmas Eve of 1862. Rich golden sounds from a great tent echoed throughout the snowy covered hills of General J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry camp. Banjo player Sam Sweeney and his musicians were entertaining General Stuart and his staff members along with Stuart's wife Flora, other wives, and sweethearts. It was a night to remember with merriment, dancing, delicacies to eat such as chicken, turkey, hams, sweet potatoes, butter, 30 dozen eggs, apple brandy (saved for the occasion), whiskey, and a great bowl of egg nog. Dancing the Virginia Reel was a highlight of the celebration.

However, General Robert E. Lee had given orders for a major raid by General Stuart's cavalry for the day after Christmas. As the band played on, only General Stuart and a select number of officers knew they would be in the saddle before long on another dangerous expedition. Not a word was said at the party about the impending raid. Stuart was happy and cheerful as he enjoyed his moments with Flora.

As dawn approached on the day after Christmas the bugler sounded the call for boots and saddles. Astounded to hear the orders, troopers had an hour to saddle, draw rations and pack ammunition. As the sun rose above the horizon 1800 horsemen were on the move and crossed Kelly's Ford. But thoughts of the season were still with the men, for it had been a holiday to remember.

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Archival Paper Giclées

200 S/N Paper Giclées - $275
50 Artist's Proof Paper Giclées - $375
Image Size 18 1/4" x 29 1/2"
Paper Giclee


Canvas Giclées

95 S/N Studio Canvas Giclées - $275
15 Artist's Proof Studio Canvas Giclées - Sold out
Image Size 17" x 27 1/2"

65 S/N Classic Canvas Giclées - $525
15 Artist's Proof Classic Canvas Giclées - $675
Image Size 20 1/2" x 33"

15 S/N Executive Canvas Giclées - $1200
2 Artist's Proof Executive Canvas Giclées - $1400
Image Size 24 3/4" x 40"
Canvas Giclee


This print may still be available on the secondary market.
Please call 817-560-2143 or contact us for more information.
Historical Paintings