Surrender of General Lee, at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9th, 1865
This vertical print of an historic American Civil War event depicts the meeting of Confederate General Robert E. Lee (at right, in gray uniform and black boots) and Union General Ulysses S. Grant (at left, in blue uniform and black boots) -- both seated at a round, brown wooden table as Lee signs the document of the terms of surrender for his Army of North Virginia. This event took place inside the McLean home in the village of Appomattox Court House, Virginia. The background shows two framed landscapes (one being a partial view) hanging on a wall-papered wall (the decorative pattern shows a repeating laurel wreath): On the floor is a striped rug The title of the print is imprinted in the bottom margin.
Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced thousands of hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907.
Nathaniel Currier, whose successful New York-based lithography firm began in 1835, produced thousands of hand-colored prints in various sizes that together create a vivid panorama of mid-to-late nineteenth century American life and its history. People eagerly acquired such lithographs featuring picturesque scenery, rural and city views, ships, railroads, portraits, hunting and fishing scenes, domestic life and numerous other subjects, as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes or business establishments. As the firm expanded, Nathaniel included his younger brother Charles in the business. In 1857, James Merritt Ives (the firm's accountant since 1852 and Charles's brother-in-law) was made a business partner; subsequently renamed Currier & Ives, the firm continued until 1907.
Artwork Details
- Title: Surrender of General Lee, at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, April 9th, 1865
- Publisher: Currier & Ives (American, active New York, 1857–1907)
- Date: 1865
- Medium: Hand-colored lithograph
- Dimensions: Image (not including ruled border): 11 7/8 × 8 7/8 in. (30.2 × 22.5 cm)
Image and text: 12 3/8 × 8 7/8 in. (31.4 × 22.5 cm)
Sheet: 17 in. × 12 3/4 in. (43.2 × 32.4 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Bequest of Adele S. Colgate, 1962
- Object Number: 63.550.463
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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