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"A Ride Into Legend" 

This chromolithograph, Sheridan’s Ride, by Louis Prang, is based on a dramatic painting by Thure de Thulstrup that commemorates Major General Philip Sheridan’s heroic ride during the Battle of Cedar Creek, Virginia, on October 19, 1864. The image vividly captures the pivotal moment in the American Civil War when Sheridan rallied his retreating Union forces, turning near-defeat into a resounding victory.

The central figure, General Philip Sheridan, is shown galloping heroically atop his black horse, Rienzi, as he waves his hat in the air to inspire his troops. Surrounding Sheridan are Union soldiers, cheering and raising their arms in renewed morale as their commander arrives on the battlefield. The scene is set against a backdrop of smoke-filled skies and chaotic battle lines, underscoring the ferocity of the fight and the high stakes of the moment. To the left, fallen soldiers and the debris of war serve as reminders of the heavy toll of the conflict. In contrast, Sheridan’s commanding presence represents hope and a turning point in the midst of turmoil. 

The Battle of Cedar Creek, also known as the Battle of Belle Grove, was a decisive engagement in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. Confederate Lieutenant General Jubal Early launched a surprise attack on the Union army in the early morning, initially routing the Federals and capturing prisoners and artillery. Sheridan, who was away from the battlefield, rode 12 miles from Winchester to rally his men. His arrival at around 10:30 a.m. and his dramatic leadership turned the tide of the battle, which included the support of luminaries such as Brigadier General George A. Custer. By late afternoon, the Union forces counterattacked, routing Early’s army and securing a victory that ended Confederate control in the Shenandoah Valley. With its food and supplies, the Valley was the “Breadbasket of the Confederacy,” and its loss was a devastating blow to General Robert E. Lee and his desperately besieged army at Petersburg, Virginia.

This victory had profound strategic implications, depriving the Confederacy of a vital supply base and securing President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection just weeks later. Sheridan’s ride became legendary, immortalized in Thomas Buchanan Read’s poem Sheridan’s Ride, which further elevated the general’s fame. 

Prang’s chromolithograph exemplifies the technical mastery of 19th-century printmaking. Known as the "father of the American Christmas card" and a pioneer of chromolithography, Prang employed over 300 shades and colors to create richly detailed and vibrant images. In this work, the uniforms, flags, and the natural environment are rendered with exceptional precision, capturing the energy and drama of the moment. The smoke and fire of battle are depicted with lifelike intensity, enhancing the realism of the composition.

Prang’s Civil War series of 18 chromolithographs, including this print, was part of a larger effort to commemorate key moments of the conflict. The series is notable for its historical accuracy and artistic quality, blending drama and realism to engage viewers and preserve the memory of the war’s pivotal events. 

Sheridan’s Ride remains a powerful visual representation of the heroism and determination that defined the Union’s efforts during the Civil War. This chromolithograph not only celebrates Sheridan’s leadership but also reflects the broader cultural and historical significance of the Battle of Cedar Creek. It stands as a testament to Prang’s ability to capture the essence of historical events through art, cementing his reputation as one of America’s greatest post-Civil War printmakers.