Anonymous owner donates a Troiani print to Sun City group

The print of artist Don Troiani’s “The Diehards” is being auctioned off by the Sun City Lowcountry Civil War Round Table group. Membership chair Ed Flannigan and President Sandi Schroeder discussed possible charitable causes the funds could support.

By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR

Sun City resident Sandi Schroeder had no idea what to expect when she returned home, but after a surprising call on her car phone she was intrigued.

“An unknown individual offered me a print by Don Troiani of the Battle of 2nd Manassas from Aug. 30, 1862,” she said.

The caller wanted to donate it to the Sun City Lowcountry Civil War Round Table group – of which Schroeder is president.

The professionally mounted and framed print was dropped off at her garage, so she never met the donor. The print itself measures about 24 inches by 31 inches, is numbered as 6/25, and is signed by the artist in pencil in the lower right corner immediately under his signature in the painting.

“Since receiving it, I have discovered that it does have potential value, and I would like to see it auctioned off for a good cause and, of course, bring recognition to our group,” Schroeder said. “Several individuals who have seen it have expressed an interest in bidding on it.”

Troiani is renowned for his detailed and accurate paintings from the Civil War and the American Revolution. Born in New York City, he studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and New York City’s Art Students League.

The highly detailed painting – titled “The Diehards” – depicts the Louisiana brigade, alongside an unfinished railroad line. Many men were out of ammunition from the Union army’s assault on their position. By throwing readily available rocks and boulders, they were able to hold their position until reinforced by a Virginia brigade.

Schroeder said the print will be on display at the March 22 and April 24 meetings. Anyone wanting to see the print and bid on it may stop by the meeting room at Hidden Cypress between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. on those days.

Ron Roth, author and former director of the Reading Public Museum and the Nebraska Museum of Art, is a frequent local presenter on the Civil War in the Lowcountry. He will be the guest speaker at the LCWRT’s May 16 meeting when the winner will be announced.