Mary Adams and Albert Mattin
In 1863 the artist John Batchelder received word that Lee’s troops were advancing into Union territory. While he had painted many battlefield scenes, he was still searching for the one moment in battle to capture that would define his career. He found it in the Battle of Gettysburg! Through intensive study and interviews, Batchelder acquired a detailed understanding of the battlefield and troop movements, and as a result became the official historian of the battle. The masterpiece he designed and commissioned, The Repulse of Longstreet’s Assault, toured the country and Batchelder delivered thousands of lectures accompanied by an extensive catalog of products related to the battle. This presentation will examine how Batchelder achieved commercial success and shaped the story of Gettysburg in ways still felt today.