Gilbert Gaul is well known for his paintngs and illustrations of Civil Wart subjects, most of which were published and exhibited in the 1880's. A native of New Jersey, Gaul was educated at Claverack Military Academy and studied art at the National Academy of Design in New York.

Gaul was noted for the authenticity of his Civil War scenes and, although he was from the North, his work reveals a special sympathy for the Confederate soldier. Many of his war paintings were reproduced as woodcut engravings in Battles and Leaders of the Civil War. His illustrations also appeared in popular magazines such as Harper's Monthly. A member of the National Academy, Gaul won awards for several of his paintings. In 1881, he received a Gold Medal from the American Art Association for Hold the Line at All Hazards, and Charging the Battery was recognized at the 1889 Paris Expostion.