The Battle of Gettysburg by Peter Frederick Rothermel. Click on image for a closer look.

Named for the battle that changed the course of the Civil War, Pickett’s Charge transposes the drama of the battle onto canvas. It’s artist, Peter Frederick Rothermel, took three years to complete the piece, unveiling it on December 20, 1870. Although this work is part of a series of paintings of the Battle of Gettysburg, its large size, 16 3/4 feet high and 32 feet long, has raised its fame above the other paintings in the series.

Pickett’s Charge did not have a permanent home the first few years after it was painted because of its sheer size. Once locations large enough to house the painting were established, the piece toured the country, visiting all the big cities. Since its display around the United States, the painting has undergone three years of restoration, removing all imperfections and restoring it to its original form. This remarkable painting now rests in the Civil War exhibit at The State Museum, where visitors can view it, up close and personal.

Click on the thumbnails below to view a few
details from the Civil War Gallery.

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