Benjamin G. Butler, Maj. Gen. Vols. U.S.A.

Accession Number
2008/2.196.21

Title
Benjamin G. Butler, Maj. Gen. Vols. U.S.A.

Artist(s)

Object Creation Date
1855-65, printed circa 1862-1865

Medium & Support
albumen print on paper

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Seymour and Barbara K. Adelson

Subject matter
In this photograph, United States Army General Benjamin Butler sits in three-quarter turn as he looks indirectly out of the picture plane. His expression seems one of morose contemplation. The light that pours in from the upper-right illuminates the general's hand and the crown of his head, as well as the two rows of buttons on his coat and the golden embroidery on his sleeve, collar, and shoulder. Butler was a lawyer and a politician before and after serving as a general during the American Civil War (1861-65). Here he poses for Mathew Brady, who produced a large number of cartes-de-visite of various Union Army and Navy officers during the war.

Physical Description
Seated, half-length portrait of a mustachioed man in a military uniform. 

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
armed forces
cartes-de-visite (card photographs)
major generals
military uniforms
moustaches
officers (administrators)
portraits

3 Related Resources

Photographic Portraiture in the 19th Century
(Part of: Identity and Self-Understanding)
U.S. Civil War
(Part of 5 Learning Collections)
U.S. Wars
(Part of 6 Learning Collections)

& Author Notes

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