Howard Koslow (New Jersey, New York, 1924 - 2016) "Robert E. Lee" Signed lower left. Original Acrylic painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood Commemorative Proofcard for America's Greatest Military Heroes series, postmarked January 19, 1992. "I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home." With that, Robert E. Lee spoke of the greatest conflict of his time. Despite strong personal feelings against secessionism and slavery, he chose duty to his native soil, declined field command of the United States Army, and took up the Confederate cause. Trained at West Point and having led an exemplary military life, Lee was placed in command of all Confederate troops in 1865 and was appointed military advisor to President Jefferson Davis. Combining the age-old qualities of military greatness -- an almost unerring grasp of both strategy and tactics -- General Lee led his men boldly and bravely against the larger armies of his opponent. Performing brilliantly, he directed his men through most of the major battles of the Civil War. The legendary "Stonewall" Jackson once said, "He is the only man whom I would follow blindfold." Forced to surrender at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, Lee urged Southerners to accept defeat with grace and support reconstruction of the Union. In 1865, he became President of Washington College in Virginia, serving there until his death. A man of integrity and good will, Robert E. Lee proved that greatness and honor can be achieved even on the losing side of great questions in human history. Image Size: in. Overall Size: in. Unframed. (B09286)