Thursday, May 2, 2013

at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Photography and the American Civil War

 "More than two hundred of the finest and most poignant photographs of the American Civil War have been brought together for this landmark exhibition. Through examples drawn from the Metropolitan's celebrated holdings of this material, complemented by important loans from public and private collections, the exhibition will examine the evolving role of the camera during the nation's bloodiest war. The "War between the States" was the great test of the young Republic's commitment to its founding precepts; it was also a watershed in photographic history. The camera recorded from beginning to end the heartbreaking narrative of the epic four-year war (1861–1865) in which 750,000 lives were lost. This traveling exhibition will explore, through photography, the full pathos of the brutal conflict that, after 150 years, still looms large in the American public's imagination."


Studying the Art of War, Fairfax Court-House, [Virginia]
Alexander Gardner (American, Glasgow, Scotland 1821–1882 Washington, D.C.)

 June 1863           






What Do I Want, John Henry? 
 1862 (November) 
 Alexander Gardner 1821-1882 
 Albumen silver print 6 13/16 x 8 13/16 in. 
The Art Institute of Chicago 

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