An original oil on canvas by noted historical artist Bradley J. Schmehl, signed "Schmehl" at upper right. The painting depicts a mounted Union cavalry officer astride a bay horse, saber drawn, in slouch hat and shell jacket — a spare, painterly composition against an open field in Schmehl's signature "painterly realism" style. Per documentation accompanying the painting, the subject is Major Henry W. Granger of the 7th Michigan Cavalry.

HISTORICAL NOTE

Major Henry W. Granger commanded the 7th Michigan Cavalry of Custer's celebrated Michigan Brigade. At the Battle of Yellow Tavern, May 11, 1864 — the cavalry action north of Richmond in which Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart was mortally wounded — Granger led his regiment in the climactic mounted charge up Telegraph Road and was shot through the head and heart at the head of his men. In his after-action report, General George A. Custer singled out Granger for praise, describing how he placed himself at the head of his command and "fell as the warrior loves to fall, with his face to the foe."

PROVENANCE

The Alice & Ron Tunison Collection (per inscription and label on the reverse). Ron Tunison (1946–2013) was an internationally recognized Civil War sculptor whose work includes four monuments at Gettysburg National Military Park, as well as commissions at Antietam and Pamplin Historical Park.

MARKINGS & LABELS

- Signed "Schmehl," upper right.

- Reverse, handwritten label: "2004 Bradley Schmehl Painting of Major Henry W. Granger. Killed as he led the 7th Michigan Cav. against Stuart's cav at Yellow Tavern."

- Reverse, pencil inscription on the stretcher: "Alice & Ron Tunison Collection" and a partial date reading "200[4]."

DIMENSIONS

Canvas measures 20" x 1624". Presented in a gilt molding frame with linen liner; frame measures 24 1/2” X 20 ½’’.  [ss][ph:L]