Conrad Wise Chapman: The Painter in Uniform

A Life of Art and War

Conrad Wise Chapman, an American artist born on February 14, 1842, in Washington, D.C., is a figure shrouded in the dual worlds of art and military service. His life's canvas painted a picture as vivid and complex as the works he produced. Chapman, who passed away on December 10, 1910, in Hampton, Virginia, was not just an artist known for his painting and drawing but also a soldier who served in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865.

Early Brushstrokes

Conrad's early life was steeped in art, nurtured by his father, John Gadsby Chapman, a professional artist working in Europe. His older brother, John Linton Chapman, also followed the artistic path. This European upbringing provided Conrad with a rich cultural foundation that would later influence his works.

The Call to Arms

In 1861, as the winds of war swept across the United States, Chapman returned to his homeland, trading his brush for a rifle. He enlisted in Company D of the 3rd Kentucky Infantry Regiment. His service was marked by hardship and valor, as he was wounded during the infamous Battle of Shiloh. Despite this, his resolve remained unshaken as he continued to serve in the conflicts across Mississippi and Louisiana. At his father's behest, Chapman transferred to the 46th Virginia Infantry under the command of Henry Alexander Wise. His military journey didn't stop there; he later served with the 59th Virginia Infantry, also known as the Wise Legion or Wise Brigade, enduring the rigors of battle at Chaffin's Farm on the James River in Henrico County.

The Artist Soldier

September 1863 marked a new chapter for Chapman, as the Wise Brigade was tasked with defending Charleston, South Carolina. It was here that Brigadier General Thomas Jordan, under the command of General P.G.T. Beauregard, commissioned Chapman to create thirty-one paintings depicting the city's defenses. Beauregard sought to bolster support for his defense strategies within the Confederate government, and Chapman's art was to be the visual advocate for this cause.

Despite the ongoing war, Chapman's artistic spirit thrived. Although several Union artists captured the war on canvas, Chapman stood almost alone on the Confederate side, creating what may be the only set of battle subjects painted by a Confederate artist during the war. His intended entire series in Charleston was cut short due to family obligations when he learned of his mother's illness. Granted furlough, he journeyed to Rome, Italy, in April 1864, where he completed 25 paintings, with five additional works contributed by his father, all based on the sketches he made in Charleston.

Post-War Pursuits

The war's end found Chapman unable to accept the Confederacy's defeat, prompting him to seek solace in the landscapes of Mexico. There, he painted a series of views capturing the Valley of Mexico's serene beauty. His travels didn't stop there; he also spent time in France and England, broadening his artistic horizons.

In 1898, Chapman showcased his life's work at the Union League Club in New York. Despite garnering attention, the collection found no buyers. It wasn't until he moved his family to Richmond that his fortunes changed. The following year, he sold 31 paintings to the Confederate Memorial Literary Society, which later evolved into the Museum of the Confederacy, now known as the American Civil War Museum.

Legacy on Canvas

Chapman's works continue to be appreciated and preserved, with notable pieces housed in respected institutions:

• The 59th Virginian Infantry at the Amon Carter Museum
• Battery Laurens Street Charleston, Feb. 7, 1864 at the American Civil War Museum
• Battery Marshall, Sullivan's Island, Dec. 4, 1863 at the American Civil War Museum
• Fort Sumter Gun Gallery, Dec. 8, 1863 at the American Civil War Museum
• The Flag of Sumter, Oct. 20, 1863 at the American Civil War Museum
• Submarine Torpedo Boat H.L. Hunley, Dec. 6, 1863 at the American Civil War Museum
• Torpedo Boat David at Charleston Dock, Oct. 25, 1863 at the American Civil War Museum
• Quaker Battery, 1864 at the American Civil War Museum
• White Point Battery Charleston, Dec. 24, 1863 at the American Civil War Museum
• View of Bishop's Palace near Monterrey in a private collection

Sources

The narrative of Conrad Wise Chapman's life and work weaves together the threads of history and personal struggle, captured through the lens of an artist who bore witness to his nation's most turbulent times.

• "Chapman Paintings Portfolio - About the Artists," The American Civil War Museum.
• Johns, Christopher M. S.; Manfredi, Tommaso; Wolfe, Karin, eds. (2023). American Latium: American Artists and Travelers in and around Rome in the Age of the Grand Tour.
• Bassham, Ben L. (1998). Conrad Wise Chapman: Artist & Soldier of the Confederacy.
• "Chapman, Conrad W." Soldier Details - The Civil War, National Park Service.
• "Chapman Paintings Portfolio - The Man behind the mission," The American Civil War Museum.
• Harvey, Eleanor Jones (2012). The Civil War and American Art.
• "Father and Son: The Works of John Gadsby Chapman and Conrad Wise Chapman."
• Harvey, Eleanor Jones (December 4, 2013). "The South's Forgotten Painter," The New York Times.

For additional insights into Chapman's life and works, explore the further reading and external links provided.

Conrad Wise Chapman on Wikipedia