John Mulvany (1844-1906)
John Mulvany was an Irish-born artist who is best known for his monumental portrayal of Custer at Little Big Horn, entitled Custer’s Last Rally. He studied in Dusseldorf and Munich, and arrived in the U.S. in 1856. After serving in the Union Army during the Civil War, Mulvany returned to Europe, and then came back to America and settled in the Midwest.
After Little Big Horn, Mulvany began planning his work, visiting the battlefield, Sioux reservations, and Fort Leavenworth. His 11′ x 22′ canvas was an immediate success, eliciting praise wherever it was exhibited. Despite being largely known for this single work, Mulvany executed a number of other western paintings.
Information courtesy of Cowan’s Auctions Inc.