George Barnard, Albumen Photograph, View from Confederate Lines, Southeast of Atlanta

Description

This is an original unmounted albumen copy of George Barnard’s photo called View From Confederate Lines Southeast of Atlanta.

Barnard, an Army photographer following Sherman’s forces in Georgia, made the view, along with several others, in November of 1864 to record the construction of defenses prior to Sherman’s departure for Savannah. The photos were made at the behest of Sherman’s chief engineer Orlando Poe and accompanied his reports.

View From Confederate Lines Southeast of Atlanta depicts union soldiers working as pioneers, resting while constructing earthworks near the city. The background depicts part of the battle ground of July 22, 1864, as abandoned earthworks can be seen on a hill in the background. In the right foreground is a scarce, beautiful view of Barnard’s portable darkroom and the rear of his wagon.

These photographs offer a seldom-seen glimpse at the army “at ease.” 

Unmounted, gouges in upper left and lower left corners without loss of content. 2″ tear along top. Thin, old, prior mounting tape remains along a small portion of the edges. Light evidence of mildew spotting. Some creasing.

Documentation on verso identifies the view and gives citation to Miller’s Photographic History of the Civil War (Volume 1, page 33.). Apparently original sticker at upper left reads “return to / R. Meredith.”

A vivid example of original albumen photography.

Barnard, George N. View From Confederate Lines Southeast of Atlanta. Albumen photo, November, 1864, 13″ x 9 3/4″. Thin old prior mounting tape remains along a small portion of the edges.