Ole Peter Balling portrait of GA Custer

[Tricia]

All--

I'm looking for a little information regarding Ole Peter Hansen Balling's painting, entitled either Heroes of the Republic or Grant And His Generals. I know this painting contains the only "from life" portrait of GAC, and that GAC was not entirely pleased with the outcome. Custer mentions visiting Balling's atelier in 1866, but I am uncertain whether he sat for the artist during that period. I think the length of GAC's hair in the depiction may be a clue as to the portrait's date. There isn't a whole lot of information at the Smithsonian website ...

Does anybody have any knowledge they might want to share? I would appreciate it!

Leyton McLean

[alfuso]

Rice

there is a letter in the merrington collection (I believe) in which Custer mentions having seen the finished painting. He remarks that he and Sheridan are the only 2 not wearing hats (or wearing hats) and that's supposed to be significant. He also remarks that his hair is "too yellow" which he doesn't like.

I've seen picure of the painting and Custer's hair is rather long in it, flowing in the breeze.

alfuso