Accession Number
2008/2.196.22

Title
General Benjamin Butler

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
This photograph shows United States Army General Benjamin Butler in profile view. His overcoat, which fits tightly along the shoulders and torso but hangs loosely around the legs, creates a veritable black pyramid at the center of the composition. The background is composed mainly of fluctuating gray tones. 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
Profile view 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