Don Troiani Paints a Black Union Soldier

Troiani

A number of my friends on Facebook are sharing a pic of the new release by Don Troiani.  This new watercolor of a private in the 4th United States Colored Troop is, if I am not mistaken, Troiani’s first stand alone black soldier since his 1st South Carolina Volunteer Infantry print, which was done a number of years ago.  I absolutely love it and I am very close to clicking the “Pay Now” button at my PayPal account.  Than again, my birthday is coming up soon and my wife is always looking for that perfect gift that shows her undying love for me. 🙂

Before moving to Boston I owned a fairly large collection of framed Troiani prints.  Unfortunately, I knew I wouldn’t have room in my new library/office and I couldn’t bear keeping them in the basement so I sold them.  I still have a giclee edition of “Mahone’s Charge” which is featured on the cover of my book as well as two regimental prints.

It is hard not to see this new release as a direct result of the popularity of Spielberg’s Lincoln and the broader emphasis on the history of black Union soldiers during the Sesquicentennial.   We shall see if it sells.

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16 comments… add one
  • Emmanuel Nov 25, 2023 @ 12:08

    I am the person in this painting and it was a pleasure to have worked with Don. I admired his work ethics and his passion for his art.

  • Patrick Young Jul 31, 2013 @ 5:19

    Except for Glory and a few minutes in Lincoln and Cold Harbor, I can’t think of when popular movies have really dealt with black soldiers.

  • Edward McGill Jul 30, 2013 @ 16:47

    Most black soldiers saw little combat until the Battle of the Crater. Hollywood has blown the truth out of proportion to appeal to today’s more diverse population.

    • Kevin Levin Jul 30, 2013 @ 17:36

      How exactly has Hollywood exaggerated their importance? Explain.

  • TF Smith Feb 23, 2013 @ 19:18

    Maybe send a copy to the president of Emory?

  • Leonard Lanier Feb 21, 2013 @ 16:58

    PBS used Don the other night as a talking head for this documentary about the history of guns and gun control in America: http://www.pbs.org/programs/after-newtown-guns-america/.

    • Kevin Levin Feb 21, 2013 @ 17:13

      Thanks, Leonard.

  • Jimmy Price Feb 21, 2013 @ 16:50

    I’ll put in a good word for you, if that helps. Also posted something on my blog today about a guy in the 55th Mass – you may already know the story, but if not, check it out!

    • Kevin Levin Feb 21, 2013 @ 17:11

      I caught it earlier today. Thanks.

  • Jimmy Price Feb 21, 2013 @ 14:40

    I recently worked with Don on a painting depicting the 6th USCT at New Market Heights. It was commissioned by the Union League of Philadelphia and trust me, if you like this one, you’ll be blown away when this one comes out!

    • Kevin Levin Feb 21, 2013 @ 14:41

      Hey Jimmy. Thanks for the update. That promises to be an awesome print. Now I just need to convince my wife to make room for it in our bedroom. 🙂

      • Andy Hall Feb 21, 2013 @ 15:20

        There’s probably not room for both the Troiani and the peel-and-stick H. K. Edgerton. Tough call, my friend.

        • Kevin Levin Feb 21, 2013 @ 17:12

          I guess it’s what some people need to set the mood. That is hilarious.

        • Ken Noe Feb 22, 2013 @ 7:45

          Andy, don’t forget this one: http://tinyurl.com/b8v9v7q

          • Kevin Levin Feb 22, 2013 @ 8:08

            We can only speculate what might have been had officials armed the thousands of loyal roosters in the Confederacy.

          • Kirsten Schultz Feb 23, 2013 @ 21:44

            I am a bad, bad person. Look at the shape of the cage underneath the rooster and the spurs on the right. The subtle subtext is revealed.

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