Equestrian Portrait of Gen. John Howard Kitching

About Auction

Live

2025 Winter Fine Art & Antiques (Day 1)

By Case Auctions

Jan 25, 2025

Set Reminder 2025-01-25 09:00:00 2025-01-25 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : 2025 Winter Fine Art & Antiques (Day 1) https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/case-antiques/2025-winter-fine-art-antiques-day-1-16081
Live Auction at our Knoxville Gallery featuring 1,200+ lots from fine Southern estates and private and museum collections. Sale begins Sat. Jan. 25 at 9 AM with lots #1-783 and continues Sun. Jan. 26 at 1 PM with lots #784-1261 (separate catalog). Estates represented include Gertrude S. Caldwell, Nashville; John Z. C. Thomas, Knoxville; Dr. Larry Wolfe, Nashville; Norman Luboff; plus the collection of Jon E. Jones, Cookeville, and deaccessioned art from the Hunter Museum, Vanderbilt University Museum, the Memphis-Brooks Museum, and more. Case Auctions bid@caseantiques.com

View Full Catalog (782)

• Lot Description

  Oil on canvas portrait of Civil War Union General John Howard Kitching (1838-1865) astride a black horse in the midst of a battlefield. Inscribed faintly en verso "Black ___ New York 1878". Possibly William Thurston Black (American, 1816-1893), a portrait painter working in New York. Housed in a later giltwood and composition frame. Sight - 47"H x 35"W. Frame - 58"H x 47"W.  NOTE: One of youngest Union generals, Kitching was admired by his troops and superior officers alike for his courage and humility. Despite health problems in his youth that continued into his young adulthood, he led the 6th New York Heavy Artillery in some of the fiercest battles of the Civil War. As a young captain, he distinguished himself with McClellan's Army of the Potomac in the Peninsula campaign, offering himself into combat. According to the Account of the Sixth New York Artillery from the Highland Democrat of Peekskill, NY, "In April 1862 while acting as Captain... he volunteered to act as Second Lieutenant of a Regular battery before the enemy, rather than remain idle in the fort. This indicates a character determined to accomplish something for the good of his country, as well as for his own advancement. To this courageous temper Col. Kitching adds a disposition to thoroughly acquire a knowledge of what is the duty of a soldier." Kitching fought "with great coolness" at the Battle of Gaines Mills, but became seriously ill and had to resign his position with the Army of the Potomac. He returned to New York to recover. Despite the suggestion that he remain at home, he accepted a commission as Lieutenant Colonel in the 135th New York Infantry. In September 1862, the 135th, then stationed at Fort McHenry, in Baltimore, was re-designated as the 6th New York Heavy Artillery. The 6th left to garrison Harper’s Ferry and in April 1863, Kitching assumed command as colonel.  By the spring of 1864, Colonel Kitching reached brigade command. His troops guarded the ammunition and supplies of the Artillery Reserve. They first saw combat at the Battle of the Wilderness and went on to fight in some of the war's bloodiest battles including Spotsylvania Court House, Bethesda Church, and Petersburg. Period accounts record that Kitching often "has no better accommodations than the humblest private in his command. Men will follow such a leader." At the Battle of Cedar Creek, Kitching was assigned to hold a ridge along with Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes (the future President). Kitching was hit in the foot but refused to leave the battlefield until he nearly lost consciousness from loss of blood. His foot was amputated and he never recovered, dying few months later at the age of 26. Kitching was promoted posthumously to brevet brigadier general. On January 16, 1865, the officers of the 6th NY Heavy Artillery resolved: "That the character of General Kitching as an officer and a gentleman, was such as commanded our highest respect and esteem. His qualities as a soldier and a leader, whether displayed in the quiet of camp or in the storm of battle always secured the earnest confidence of all. We feel that no one can supply his place with us. He died for his country, but his memory will ever live in our hearts as that of a good man. a true soldier and a gallant officer." (Source: the National Park Service). 

  Condition

  Overall good condition. Three 1-inch patches to sky area, sash tassel area, and lower right corner. Scattered minor retouch and craquelure. Stretcher lines. 

   

   

• Provenance

  Private Virginia Collection. 

• Shipping Info

  • The UPS Store of Bearden 865-584-0081 (press 5), fax 865-584-0094 store2630@theupsstore.com Click to get a quote

    The UPS Store of Northshore Knoxville Contact – Eve 865-951-2499 store6461@theupsstore.com

    John & Max Express LLC NOTE: large items & white glove delivery services only (driving range limitations may apply) Contact – Dina 865-230-1568 johnmaxexpress@gmail.com

• Payment & Auction Policies

  • Available payment options

    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 
    • 

    Payment must be received no later than five (5) days after the sale.

    
    

    If paying with a credit card, a 3% credit card processing fee will be applied to the final sales price (i.e. hammer price + buyer's premium + applicable taxes). If you have a credit card on file with Case, any winning bids will be automatically charged (up to $3000) along with applicable fees 72 hours after you receive your invoice unless other arrangements have been made.

    
    

    If paying with wire transfer, please use the following information:
    Bank: Pinnacle Bank
    150 Third Avenue South, Suite 900
    Nashville, TN 37201
    Phone # (865) 766-3000
    Swift Code: PNFPUS44
    Routing, Transit, ABA: 064008637
    Beneficiary: Case Antiques, Inc.
    4310 Papermill Drive
    Knoxville, TN 37909
    Account #: NOT DISCLOSED (please refer to your invoice email for the Deposit Account Number or contact us )
    

• Buyer's Premium
  • 27.00 %