"STORMING FORT WAGNER" BY KURZ & ALLISON
THE FIRST "NEGRO" REGIMENT Excellent, large-scale chromolithograph, 25 1/2" x 18 3/4", entitled "Storming Fort Wagner", and published by Kurz & Allison Art Publishers of Chicago in 1890. The print is an especially vivid and vibrantly colored view of the assault on the Confederate-held Fort Wagner in Charleston Harbor, and is possibly the most famous depiction of the engagement. The assault was spearheaded by the black troops 54th Massachusetts Volunteers and their commander, Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who was killed in the battle along with 53 of his men. The print depicts the moment at which Shaw, leading his men and with sword raised, is struck by a Confederate bullet as the unit storms the fort's redoubt. Around him, the men of the 54th surge forward against the Confederate defenders, attacking with pistols, rifles, and bayonets at close range. Confederate artillery fires down into the attackers, and six Union monitors are visible in the background; these provided artillery support during the battle. The title of the image is printed at bottom center, with the publication information, giving a copyright date of 1890, at lower right. At lower left is a description of the scene, giving the names of several officers including Shaw, and the casualties suffered by each side. The print is matted and framed. Although the assault on Fort Wagner was unsuccessful, the heroism of the men of the 54th Massachusetts helped encourage further enlistment and deployment of African-American troops. Nicely matted and framed, ideal for prominent display.