Künstler unveils ‘Tender is the heart’

Allison Brophy Champion / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: April 25, 2007

Confederate General Robert E. Lee nervously cradles Lucy Lee Hill in artist Mort Künstler's brand new painting Tender is the Heart, as Lee is shown looking down at the infant's face while holding on tight.

Over his shoulder, General A.P. Hill of Culpeper looks unconcerned, a proud father though unaware of his impending death at Petersburg the next year.

Beside Hill stands his young wife, Dolly, a new mother, a blue-eyed beauty looking smashing in purple. Friends and family surround the Hills at this special time, Lucy's baptism, and it is a rare, peaceful moment amid war.

The date is May 1, 1864 and the setting the Mayhurst Inn of Orange. General Lee has been named little Lucy Lee's godfather and she, in return, shares the famed general's name.

In his more than 50 years as a professional painter, Künstler never painted A.P. Hill - until Tender is the Heart, that is. But it is to Lee that the painting is dedicated; 2007 is the 200th anniversary of his birth.

Visitors and fans can meet and greet Künstler Saturday at the Museum of Culpeper History from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as he officially unveils the painting.

Künstler, who lives in New York, said he always tries to portray the personal side of the Civil War, from both sides.

"So many of these exceptional Americans displayed such remarkable fortitude, such devout faith, a willingness to make sacrifices, and an incredible sense of duty," he said in a news release.

"That's especially true of Robert E. Lee, who in many ways personifies the best of that generation of Americans."

In all, only 250 copies of the giclée - a print on canvas - will be made available of Tender is the Heart.

The painting sells for $395 and can be purchased at Village Frameworks & Gallery on Main Street, Culpeper.

Allison Brophy Champion can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 101 or