Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this piece to the 1950s.
After John Adams Elder
Subject & Medium
Original oil on canvas, fully hand-painted.
A mid-century oil portrait depicting Confederate General Robert E.
This is an original hand-painted artwork with visible brushwork and layered oil application, not a print or reproduction.
Composition & Artistic Detail
The portrait follows Elder’s established three-quarter profile format, presenting Lee half-length with folded arms, turned slightly to the left against a dark tonal background. The backdrop is built from graduated warm brown and umber tones, creating depth and contrast while drawing attention to the sitter.
Lee’s Confederate military uniform is painted in deep navy and near-black shades, with subtle highlights defining the tailoring of the double-breasted coat. The brass buttons are carefully rendered in muted gold tones, adding refined detail.
A reddish-brown leather waist belt with circular buckle provides a strong visual anchor to the lower composition. Flesh tones are modelled with warm ochres and naturalistic pink undertones, while the beard and hair are constructed using layered grey and white brushstrokes, giving texture and realism.
The execution reflects competent mid-20th century academic studio technique and careful attention to historical military dress.
Historical Context
Robert Edward Lee (1807–1870) was a career soldier and commanding general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. A West Point graduate, he served in the U.S. Army before commanding the Army of Northern Virginia. He remains one of the most historically significant and debated figures of 19th-century American history.
John Adams Elder’s portraits helped define the enduring visual image of Lee, widely reproduced in engravings and prints during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This painting represents a mid-century homage to that established Civil War iconography.
Artist
Signed and dated to the reverse: C. Wood.
While biographical details are currently limited, the painter demonstrates solid traditional oil technique and adherence to academic portrait conventions.
Frame
Presented in a later gilt moulded decorative frame which complements the tonal warmth of the painting and enhances its classic, traditional appearance.
Dimensions
Canvas:
30 cm high × 21 cm wide
Frame:
38 cm high × 29 cm wide × 2.5 cm deep
A cabinet-size oil painting ideal for collectors of military art, Civil War memorabilia, or traditional historical portraiture. Suitable for display in a study, library, office or period-style interior.
Provenance
Private collection.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Key Selling Points
• Original mid-20th century oil painting
• After the recognised John Adams Elder composition
• Confederate military portrait subject
• Decorative gilt frame
• Compact cabinet display size
• Collectable historical artwork
Condition Report
Canvas structurally sound.
There are areas of paint loss, surface wear, fading and scuffing consistent with age and handling. The painting displays well at normal viewing distance. The later gilt frame shows age-related wear including minor chips and marks.
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured for safe delivery.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this piece to the 1950s.
Source the historic in 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th century fine arts, painting, sculptures & collectibles
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Oil Painting of General Robert E. Lee in Confederate Uniform
