Custer Was General Custer an artist?

[Mike Serpa]

Was General George Custer an artist? The G.A.C. at lower right looks like it could be in his hand.

Custer, George Armstrong, attributed to
"GENERAL CUSTER'S TENT AS DRAWN BY HIM, 1863"
Pencil drawing, signed ("G.A.C."), 5 3/4 x 9 in.; 146 x 228 mm, title inscribed on the verso with attestation by John Camush; formerly folded, small fold tears at top, left, and in center, a few small stains.
http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2014/books-manuscripts-n09237/lot.4.html

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...0px-George_Armstrong_Custer_Signature.svg.png

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...0px-George_Armstrong_Custer_signature.svg.png

 

[Booner]

I believe I've read somewhere where he was. And I believe they taught art at West Point. I think Grant was an artist too

 

[AndyHall]

Basic drawing illustration skills were taught as part of an officer's curriculum, because they were expected to be able to create simple maps and diagrams as part of their duties in the field.

 

[MAJOR DUNDEE]

His tent had a heating system ? He stored bayonnets ? Like it anyway. Didn't knew G.A.Custer drawed.

 

[NH Civil War Gal]

Other than Sibley's, I didn't know other tents would have a heating system - especially like a fireplace.

 

[photoman475]

Custer was not noted for roughing it when he didn't have to, did he? I find the sketch interesting-and something I didn't know was that the Point taught art back then.

 

[Bee]

u

Basic drawing illustration skills were taught as part of an officer's curriculum, because they were expected to be able to create simple maps and diagrams as part of their duties in the field.

An example of Grant's art whilst at West Point

 

[JOHN42768]

Interesting info

 

[WJC]

Was General George Custer an artist?

The short answer is Yes.
He also studied the geology, flora and fauna he encountered, and was a skilled taxidermist.
Throughout his travels, he gathered geological specimens, sending them to the University of Michigan. On September 10, 1873, he wrote his wife, Libbie, "the Indian battles hindered the collecting, while in that immediate region it was unsafe to go far from the command...." <Elizabeth B. Custer, Boots and Saddles, or Life in Dakota With General Custer.(New York: Harper and Brothers, 1885), p. 285.>

 

[AndyHall]

He needs to work on his perspective. But then, understanding proportion was always a problem for him, wasn't it?

 

[mofederal]

I would say he had some talent. West Pointers were taught art, and of course it was a needed task for military service, for maps and such one might be required to produce, as an Infantry, Cavalry or Artillery officer.

 

[MAJOR DUNDEE]

Looks like an African paysage. (Grant's painting not Custer's).

 

[bankerpapaw]

I believe I've read somewhere where he was. And I believe they taught art at West Point. I think Grant was an artist too

They did teach art at West Point.