Civil War Visual Culture Thure de Thulstrup Siege of Atlanta 1888 Print Illustrating the Union Campaign that Secured Lincoln’s Re-Election

Battle of Atlanta

Prints

Thulstrup, Thure de. Siege of Atlanta issued in 1888 presents a visual interpretation of one of the decisive military campaigns of the American Civil War. The fall of Atlanta to Union forces under General William T. Sherman in September 1864 marked a major turning point in the conflict and helped secure President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection later that year by demonstrating renewed Union military momentum. Thulstrup, a prominent nineteenth century illustrator known for historical and military scenes, produced the image as part of a broader effort to depict key moments of the Civil War for popular audiences in the decades following the conflict.

Thulstrup, Thure de. Siege of Atlanta. Boston: L. Prang & Co., 1888. Chromolithograph depicting Union commanders gathered during the Atlanta campaign. At the center of the composition stands General William T. Sherman receiving news of Union operations around the city. Surrounding him on horseback are several officers including Brigadier General William F. Barry, chief of artillery; Brigadier General John M. Corse, inspector general; Colonel L. M. Dayton, serving as aide de camp; and Colonel Orlando M. Poe, chief of engineers. In the foreground Union soldiers prepare artillery while others confer on battlefield strategy, visually emphasizing the coordination of command and combat forces during the campaign.

The print belongs to the late nineteenth century tradition of illustrated Civil War memory, when artists and publishers created detailed visual reconstructions of major wartime events for public audiences. Chromolithography, a process requiring multiple stones to print individual colors, allowed publishers such as L. Prang & Co. to produce vivid multi colored historical prints that circulated widely in homes and public spaces. Images such as this contributed to the visual culture surrounding Civil War remembrance by presenting dramatic interpretations of key campaigns and military leaders. Moderate edge wear and minor chipping to the margins with the printed image itself unaffected. Very good condition overall and a visually striking representation of the Union campaign that led to the capture of Atlanta.

Item #20997

Price: $1,250.00