Important Portrait of Ulysses S. Grant to Be Offered by Heritage!

DALLAS, TEXAS: Heritage-Slater Americana (HSA) will offer an important, painted-from-life portrait of Union General Ulysses S. Grant in their upcoming Political Memorabilia & Americana Auction, to be held June 22 & 23, 2005 in Dallas, Texas.

"This portrait, painted by Ole Peder Hansen Balling, has emerged from obscurity after 140 years in private hands," said Tom Slater, Director of HSA. "Painted just prior to Grant's capture of the Army of Northern Virginia and Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, this 26" x 31" oil on canvas masterpiece is thought to be the only from-life portrait of Grant done during the Civil War."

"Balling was a Norwegian-born artist who opened a studio in New York City in 1856," Slater explained, "specializing in historical portraits. Like many immigrants, he volunteered to serve in the union army at the outbreak of the Civil War, and commanded two Scandinavian volunteer companies in the New York 1st Infantry. After sketching Lincoln at the White House in the fall of 1864, Balling obtained permission to 'pass to Grant' for the purpose of painting life portraits of the leading Union generals. He joined Grant at City Point, Virginia during the campaign against Richmond and spent five weeks there sketching officers in the field. His best known work, 'Grant and his Generals,' hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, and is thought to be the only life portrait of General George Armstrong Custer ever made. Balling also did life portraits of John Brown and Presidents Garfield and Arthur. The Garfield portrait also hangs at the National Portrait Gallery."

"Probably at the time of this painting's creation," Slater said, "it became the property of General Robert Nugent. Nugent was one of the organizers of the 69th N. Y. Regiment (the "Fighting Irish") and commanded the unit at the time it was mustered out of service. Nugent, a New York native, may have obtained the portrait from the artist's studio. It has remained in his family until last year, at which time it was obtained by the current consignor. It will be sold with its period block mahogany frame, which is likely original to the piece."

When asked about the painting's pre-auction estimate of $10,000-$15,000, Slater replied, "It is truly difficult to put a dollar value on a painting like this. The quality of the portraiture and the unique historical importance make valuation very subjective. This is especially true because there is virtually no meaningful market history for work of this significance by this artist, making the task of setting an estimate challenging to say the least. But I cannot recall ever seeing a better-painted portrait of Grant, and with this background and provenance it should create considerable interest."

For more information about Heritage-Slater Americana auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HeritageAmericana.com. Heritage-Slater Americana is headquartered at 3500 Maple Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75219-3941.

Potential consignors are invited to contact Tom Slater, TomS@HeritageGalleries.com, or by phone at 800-872-6467, ext. 441 or contact John Hickey at JohnH@HeritageGalleries.com, or by phone at 800-872-6467, ext. 264.