The Art and Life of Atlanta Artist Wilbur G. Kurtz: Inspired by Southern History

by David O'Connell

Nationally renowned Georgia artist and historian Wilbur G. Kurtz launched his career by founding the Pen and Brush Club of Atlanta in 1913. The transplanted Yankee quickly became a premier authority on Old South Atlanta--Margaret Mitchell personally selected Kurtz as technical advisor and artistic director for Gone with the Wind." A co-founder of the Civil War Round Table of Atlanta, Kurtz supervised the placement of more than four hundred historical markers in northeast Georgia documenting various stages of the Atlanta Campaign of 1864. Decades after his passing in 1967 at the age of eighty-five, Kurtz's legacy lives on through his murals and historic paintings on display in public buildings and private art collections throughout Atlanta and the South. Join author David O'Connell as he recounts the fascinating life and vibrant works of Georgia's preeminent artist-historian."

Genres: History, Art

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 13, 2013

Reviews

[Kevin J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

David O'Connell introduces us to the most famous Atlanta artist that most Atlanta residents do not know. A gifted painter, Wilbur Kurtz with his brush and palette, recorded the great milestones of his adopted city with painstaking detail and accuracy. His knowledge and expertise of Atlanta's earliest days led him to Hollywood where he served as the technical advisor for the film Gone with the Wind.

This book is must read for art lovers, movie enthusiasts, and people who appreciate a well written biography. Like his subject; the author clearly spent long hours doing research in order to produce a finished product that will stand up through the ages. Clio, the muse of history, would be proud of the accomplishments of both men.

I highly recommend The Art and Life of Atlanta Artist Wilbur G. Kurtz.