Artist:
Gary Kutscher

Contact:
www.kutscherfineart.com

About the Artwork:
"September 22, 1862 - The Will of God Prevails"

In his own words, Lincoln said," I made a solemn vow before God, that if General Lee is driven back...I will crown the result by the declaration of freedom to the slaves." On September 22, 1862, Lincoln gathered his cabinet and read aloud his Emancipation Proclamation.

My painting is a snapshot of his cluttered desk that morning prior to the called meeting as he "dressed it over a little". The soon to be read document's four pages, sit on a copy of the Declaration of Independence that Lincoln proclaimed is ‘the Father of all moral principle’.

The small note on the brim of his hat, written in Lincoln's hand refers to the first line from his "Meditation of the Divine Will" written in early September, 1862. In his stovepipe hat is Special Order #191 that was discovered lying on the ground just days later by two Union soldiers, detailing General Lee's orders for the Invasion of Maryland. Also in his hat, a telegram from General McClellan confirming that Lee was driven back at Antietam on September 17th and giving the President the victory he needs to formally announce his Emancipation Proclamation.

Slumped forward in Lincoln’s hat is Jack the Doll, a soldier doll played with by Lincoln’s boys, Tad and Willie and dressed in a fiery red and blue Zouave uniform. His story reveals the horrors of war as he is branded a deserter one day, a spy the next and even falls asleep at his post. After hanging or death by firing squad he would be found buried in the Rose Garden. After a mock trial with their father, Lincoln proclaims – the doll Jack is pardoned by order of the President.

The family Bible as well as numerous books and the morning newspaper, each with their own significance are placed strategically completing the scene showing Lincoln's greatest document.

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