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"The Very Best American Battle Scenes in Existence" - Bennett.

Nice example of the Storming of Chapultapec battle scene from one of the greatest American color plate books and by far the most important single visual work relating to the Mexican-American War.

George Wilkins Kendall was a proponent of the offensive war against Mexico, and as a true war correspondent, he joined the Texas Rangers soon after hostilities broke out, later joining General Scott's expedition. This is one of 12 finely hand-colored lithographs illustrating the major battles of the War with Mexico.

The plates are the work of French artist Carl Nebel. As noted by Sandweiss & Stewart:

The eyewitness prints that must be compared against all other [of the Mexican-American War] are those produced under the direction of George Wilkins Kendall for his book The War Between the United States and Mexico Illustrated, published in January 1851.... [which] represents the climax of the confluence of journalism and lithography on the prints of the Mexican War (Sandweiss & Stewart, pages 36-39).

The work was originally issued in three formats: paper covers at $34; in "elegant portfolio," at $38; and bound in half leather, $40. According to the text:

Of the twelve illustrations accompanying [the] work... the greater number were drawn on the spot by the artist. So far as regards the general configuration of the ground, fidelity of the landscape, and correctness of the works and buildings introduced, they may be strictly relied upon. Every reader must be aware of the impossibility, in painting a battle scene, of giving more than one feature or principal incident of the strife. The artist has ever chosen what he deemed the most interesting as well as exciting points of each combat...

The lithographs were produced in Paris. Carl Nebel was particuarly keen on French lithographers as the best qualified to reproduce his paintings, and both Kendall and Nebel supervised the production of the plates. The full set of plates includes:

• The Battle of Palo Alto
• The Capture of Monterey (margins slightly trimmed)
• The Battle of Buena Vista (margins slightly trimmed)
• The Bombardment of Vera Cruz (margins slightly trimmed)
• The Battle of Cerro Gordo
• The Assault at Contreras
• The Battle of Churubusco
• The Battle of Molino del Rey - Attack Upon the Casa Mata (margins slightly trimmed)
• The Battle of Molino del Rey - Attack Upon the Molino
• The Storming of Chapultepec - Quitman's Attack
• The Storming of Chapultepec - Pillow's Attack
• The General Scott's Entrance in to Mexico

The Storming of Chapultepec: Pillow's Attack

The Storming of Chapultepec, occurring on September 13, 1847, was a crucial battle during the Mexican-American War. General Gideon J. Pillow led one of the primary assaults on the formidable Mexican fortification of Chapultepec Castle, perched atop a steep hill in Mexico City.

Pillow's Attack began early in the morning with a fierce artillery bombardment, softening the defenses for the infantry advance. Pillow's troops, consisting of seasoned regiments, faced a daunting climb under heavy Mexican fire. The castle was defended by Mexican cadets and soldiers, who put up a valiant defense despite being outnumbered and outgunned.

The attack was marked by intense close quarters combat as American forces scaled the heights and breached the castle walls. Pillow's men fought through entrenched Mexican positions, overcoming obstacles and enduring heavy casualties. The battle was chaotic and brutal, with both sides demonstrating remarkable bravery.

By midday, American forces had captured Chapultepec, a significant blow to Mexican defenses. The victory opened the way for the U.S. Army to enter Mexico City, leading to its eventual fall and the conclusion of the war. The battle showcased the strategic importance of Chapultepec and highlighted the determination and resilience of both the attacking and defending forces.

Pillow's role in the battle was later scrutinized, with some controversy surrounding his leadership and the heavy casualties sustained by his troops. Nonetheless, the Storming of Chapultepec remains a pivotal moment in the Mexican-American War, symbolizing the relentless American push towards victory and the fierce resistance by Mexican defenders.

Rarity

Individual plates from this work are quite scarce.