Healy, George P. A. (Il.,1813-1894), Colonel Frederick J. Hurlbut, 57th Illinois Infantry

oil on canvas, signed and dated in left field, "G. P. A. Healy / 1865.," the work after a Civil War carte de visite photograph, here presented in its original gilt and gesso wooden frame, the sitter wearing a senior officers's dark blue double-breasted frock coat fitted with the eagle insignia shoulder straps of a full United States Army colonel; Included is a neatly penned 20-page manuscript record of Colonel Hurlbut's participation in Sherman's infamous "March to the Sea," this being titled, "Journal of the march of the 3rd Brigade 4th Division 15 A.C. (Army Corps) Commanded by Lieut Col F. J. Hurlbut, 57th Inf; Vet Vol Infantry from Rome to Savannah Georgia, pursuant to Genl Orders No 17, dated Head Quarters 4th Division 15th A.C. Nov 10th, 1864, the verso of the document pencil-inscribed to Colonel Hurlbut's youngest brother, Charles, by their mother Elizabeth Jusdson Hurlbut.
Sight Size 29-1/2 x 24-1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 37-1/4 x 42 in.
Aged only 36, Colonel Frederick Judson Hurlbut (1828-1865) met an untimely and inglorious end on May 8, 1865 when he "drowned in the Chicago River" while on leave. A Chicago Tribune news brief was released the following day that ruled out murder, deeming the event an unfortunate accident. Colonel Hurlbut's portrait was likely commissioned by his family shortly after his death. The artist, George Healy, was a prominent Illinois painter of dignitaries, historical events, and genre scenes.
Private Collection, High Point, North Carolina
Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.lelandlittle.com

1-1/2 x 2 in. repair to canvas; 1-1/2 x 2 in. repair to canvas; plus, a few small areas of touch-up visible under UV light; the frame with wear and losses.