Artwork Details

Size & Editions:

• Archival Paper Giclées
  • 200 S/N Paper Giclées – $275 (Image Size: 18" x 27")
  • 50 Artist's Proof Paper Giclées – $375 (Image Size: 18" x 27")
• Canvas Giclées
  • 100 S/N Studio Canvas Giclées – $275 (Image Size: 16" x 24")
  • 15 Artist's Proof Studio Canvas Giclées – $375 (Image Size: 16" x 24")
  • 100 S/N Classic Canvas Giclées – $575 (Image Size: 20" x 30")
  • 15 Artist's Proof Classic Canvas Giclées – $675 (Image Size: 20" x 30")
  • 30 S/N Executive Canvas Giclées – $1200 (Image Size: 26" x 39")
  • 5 Artist's Proof Executive Canvas Giclées – $1400 (Image Size: 26" x 39")

Edition Size: Artist hand signed and numbered Limited Edition, COA included.

Medium: Giclée on Paper and Canvas – Select available options from drop down box.

About the Art

On the moonlit nights of February and March of 1862, federal soldiers described seeing a ghostly figure on a white horse moving along the hilltops and ridges of the Shenandoah Mountains. The ghostly figure was Colonel Turner Ashby on his white stallion, marking federal positions through the trees. Union officers constantly worried about Ashby’s cavalry and a possible attack at any moment. Ashby’s mantle of mystery created fear in their ranks.

Turner Ashby was known as the most accomplished horseman in the Confederacy. Raised in the Shenandoah Valley, he became an expert rider and trainer of horses, winning many riding tournaments in Virginia before the war, often using the title "Knight of the Black Prince." His favorite mount was a huge white stallion named “Tom Telegraph,” and another, "Gallant Gray.”

In 1861, Ashby organized the “Mountain Rangers,” a militia cavalry company of skilled horsemen and expert pistol marksmen. They became Company A of the 7th Virginia Cavalry, later part of the “Laurel Brigade” under Colonel Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Ashby was promoted to full colonel on February 12, 1862, as the brigade grew to 27 companies.

In late February 1862, Union forces under Maj. Gen. Nathaniel P. Banks advanced toward Winchester, prompting Jackson to evacuate the town. Ashby protected the rear, skirmishing with the federal vanguard and launching surprise attacks. At Stony Creek near Edinburg, his men ambushed Union troops, capturing many prisoners. Historians credit Ashby with 26 ambushes during this period, using the valley’s terrain for asymmetric warfare.

Ashby’s actions slowed General Banks’s advance and helped cover Jackson’s movements, earning him a legendary reputation as the Black Knight of the Confederacy.

Artist Biography

John Paul Strain (born September 22, 1955) is an American artist renowned for his hyper-realistic paintings depicting American history, especially scenes from the American West, the Civil War, and World War II. Beginning his career focusing on landscapes, wildlife, and Native American life, Strain’s work was represented by Trailside Galleries from age 21 for over 15 years. In 1991, he expanded his focus to Civil War art, creating meticulously researched and detailed paintings that often take over three months to complete.

Strain is also an active Civil War reenactor, serving as Captain of the 7th Texas Cavalry, which informs his authentic depictions of cavalry and period equipment. His art has been widely recognized and is used by institutions such as the U.S. National Park Service and the U.S. military. His paintings appear on historical markers and are featured in numerous publications and museum displays. Over his 40+ year career, Strain has become known as one of America’s leading historical artists, with over 75 magazine covers showcasing his work.

His dedication to historical accuracy and vivid storytelling has earned him a reputation as a modern heir to 19th-century printmakers like Currier & Ives and Louis Prang.