The Gettysburg Cyclorama- The Turning Point of the Civil War on Canvas

After our first trip to Gettysburg last year I found myself on a huge Civil War kick.  The battle is so fascinating.  Well, we were just as blown away by the painting known as the Gettysburg Cyclorama.

The painting is about 40 feet high and about 375 feet long (YES, you read that right).  It is displayed in a large round room in a 360 degree panoramic setting.  The painting overwhelms the viewer with scenes from the Battle of Gettysburg.  If you have not visited this amazing piece of artwork in Gettysburg, think about it for a moment.

Shortly after our visit, I found out about the book, "The Gettysburg Cyclorama:  The Turning Point of the Civil War on Canvas" by Chris Brenneman, Sue Boardman and Bill Dowling.  I really wanted to get this volume, but I wanted to get this book (a piece of artwork in its own right) signed by the authors.

Luckily, the publisher was able to help me find a nice signed copy!  In fact, the very sweet folks at Savas Beatie Publishing make signed copies of many of their books available!  Check out their website, I know I will be keeping a closer eye on what they are putting out.

AND, this book has been such an enjoyable read.  The authors cover the entire history of this painting.  Luckily, artist Paul Philippoteaux created the Cyclorama in the 1880s so he was able to interview many participants in the actual battle.  Philippoteaux and his team of artists used these accounts, along with photos from the battlefield to make the painting. 

I was unaware of the extreme effort put in to getting the Cyclorama right.  The artists covered just about everything- but there are imperfections.  Some done intentionally (to draw the viewers attention to an important general).  Some were accidental (buildings not in Gettysburg at the time of the battle, but built before the work on the Cyclorama sneak into the artwork).

There are other details about the Cyclorama that make the painting so fascinating.  For example, OTHER Cycloramas were made!  AND, if Philippoteaux realized that a mistake was made in the painting, he was known to change it!

I really could go on and on about how great this book is.  If you appreciate the Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, or if you love pieces of art that take on a life of their own, check this volume out!