Chris Calle (American, B. 1961) "Battle of Gettysburg" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media on Illustration Board painting. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Art Print for the U.S. 1995 Civil War Series. During the first two years of the Civil War, the South won every major battle in the Eastern theatre except Antietam. General Robert E. Lee, however, preferred not to fight another battle in Virginia, where provisions were scarce. Supplies could be readily obtained in the North and a battle won on Northern soil would be more impressive. Lee wanted to bring about a battle he could fight on his own terms that would result in the destruction of a large part of the Union Army. As Lee's army marched north, however, the choice of Gettysburg for the greatest battle of the war was mere happenstance. On July 1, 1863, Confederate forces converging there numbered around 75,000; opposing Union forces, under General George Meade, that would ultimately add up to about 85,000. The first day of battle, however, saw the Confederates outnumbering Union soldiers by three to two. The fierce Confederate attack sent Union troops scattering through the town of Gettysburg and into the hills to the south. On the second day, the Confederates came close to seizing Little Round Top, a hill that might have given them a victory, but a strong rally by Union troops prevailed. On the decisive third day of battle, with Confederate supplies running short, General Lee was confronted by the decision to retreat and admit failure or try one more assault. His response was to order 15,000 men, under Major General George E. Pickett, to attack the center of the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. Image Size: 14.25 x 15.25 in. Overall Size: 23.25 x 18.5 in. Unframed. (B15054)