This is an original oil on canvas portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain of the 20^th Maine Infantry done by the late Michael Gnatek.

The framed portrait meas. approx. 15.00 x 19.25 inches and shows Chamberlain in a dark blue double-breasted frock coat with a black felt collar and wonderfully done Lieutenant Colonels single border shoulder straps with silver oak leaves in a dark blue rank field. On his head is a dark blue kepi with an expertly done false embroidered hunting horn with the numeral “20” at center. Mr. Gnatek really did a great job in representing hair color and skin tone.

Portrait and frame is in perfect condition. It is signed and dated “1994” at the lower left and there is a brass title plate attached to the bottom border of the frame that unfortunately misspells the first name, plate reads “LT. COL. JOSUA L. CHAMBERLAIN.” This error can easily be corrected by adding a new plate if desired.

Michael Gnatek, Jr. was long recognized as the premier portrait painter, both of American military and western figures. Born in Hadley, Massachusetts, he began his artistic career at the age of eleven.  He attended Yale University’s School of Design, where he studied with noted abstract artist, Joseph Albers. Sadly, Mr. Gnatek passed away in Fall 2006.

This is really a wonderful work of art that deserves prominent display.  [ad]