Dean Ellis (American, 1920 - 2009) "Robert E. Lee" Signed middle right. Original Oil painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This artwork was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Cover for The Shapers of America series issued in 1987. Distinguished in family, in presence, and in character, he seemed to have every virtue. His father was the famous "Lighthorse Harry" Lee of Revolutionary fame. His wife was the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington. He presided over a magnificent Arlington estate. He went through West Point without a single demerit and served with distinction in the Mexican War. He was -- almost inevitably -- Superintendent of West Point Academy. Robert E. Lee was, indeed, an ardent patriot, devoted to the Union. But when Beauregard fired on Fort Sumter, Lee made the only decision he could, siding with his home state and the cause of its people. But, throughout the war, he was free of any private hostility. He referred to the Union troops as "those people," not the enemy. As Commander in Chief of the Army of Northern Virginia, he proved himself a brilliant combat general and skillful strategist, loved by subordinates and soldiers alike. "I would go through Hell for General Lee," Stonewall Jackson said. Against odds sometimes of two to one, Lee repeatedly took the offensive, and shattered one Union Army after another. "It is well war is so terrible," he said, "else we should get too fond of it." When he was forced to surrender, Lee bade farewell to those who had been "faithful to the last." "Take satisfaction in the consciousness of duty faithfully performed," he said. After his retirement, Lee was appointed President of Washington College in Lexington, Virginia. Image Size: 18 x 21 in. Overall Size: 24 x 27 in. Unframed. (B11254) See More