In 1999, I painted this portrait of a Black Union Soldier. He stands with dignity, discipline, and quiet strength. His name is Christopher Green- my great-great grandfather- and he served in the 1st South Carolina Volunteers during the Civil War.
The face you see in the painting belongs to my brother Gilbert, who carries Christopher's legacy forward as a former Civil War reenactor here in Savannah,Georgia. His records have been confirmed at the Smithsonian Institution.
This painting represents something larger than art. It represents a family's commitment to making sure our ancestor's sacrifice is seen, honored, and neverforgotten.
For two decades portrait has been exhibited across our community. Now I am sharing it with the world.