The Arts & The Civil War: Photography & Sketch Artists Learning Target: I can explain the historical significance of photographers & sketch artists during the Civil War. Learning Target: I can create a quick sketch to communicate my understanding of a sketch artist depicting a Civil War Battle.

Civil War Photographers The American Civil War is considered the first major conflict to be extensively photographed. Not only did fearless photographers venture onto the battlefields, but those images were then distributed nationwide. For the first time in history, the general public on the home front could envision the actual bloodshed of far away battlefields. Photography during the Civil War was an intricate and time consuming procedure. Photographers had to carry all of their heavy equipment, as well as their darkroom, by wagon.

The Wet-Plate Photographic Process: - First, collodion was used to coat the plate glass in order to sensitize it to light. - In a darkroom, the plate was then immersed in silver nitrate, placed in a light-tight container, and inserted into the camera. - Next, the cap on the camera was removed for two to three seconds, exposing it to light and imprinting the image on the plate. - Replacing the cap, the photographer immediately took the plate to his darkroom, where he developed it in a solution of pyrogallic acid. - After washing and drying the plate with water, the photographer coated it with a varnish to protect the surface. - This process created a plate glass negative. Once the plate- glass negative was made, the image could be printed on paper and mounted.

Mathew Brady (May 18, 1822 – January 15, 1896) Mathew Brady was the first to document the American Civil War through photography. He was Lincoln’s favorite photography. Brady was almost killed at Bull Run, VA. He was lost for three days and wound up in Washington D.C., eventually, almost dead from starvation.

Civil War Sketch Artists Risked their lives to represent the war much like news correspondents today to depict camp life, marches, battles and important events of the Civil War. Unlike photographs, it brought the war to life – falling horses, flailing swords & suffering soldiers. One of the most famous was Alfred Waud who was assigned to the battlefield by newspapers like Harper’s Weekly. Equipment necessary to do the job was pencils, paper and a board.

Alfred Waud ( ) Alfred Waud was recognized as the best of the Civil War sketch artists. His drawings show the fighting, drama and horror of the conflict more personally than others because he had passion and courage under fire drawing him close to the front lines. He was considered an artist, journalist & historian.

Compare & Contrast Mattw BradyAlfred Waud photographysketches Matthew Brady Photography Alfred Waud Sketch Artist

Compare & Contrast Civil War Photography & Sketch Art

Could you have been a Civil War Sketch Artist? Your group will plan out how to physically depict your sketch for another group – 2 minutes Your group will randomly “freeze frame” the scene as the others sketch the action – 2 minutes Your group will share the original sketch with the class and interpret what you feel was happening as well as discuss your characterization. A gallery walk will take place to share sketches as well as give you a chance to view more of Brady’s & Waud’s work.

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The Arts & The Civil War: Photography & Sketch Artists Learning Target: I can explain the historical significance of photographers & sketch artists during the Civil War. Learning Target: I can create a quick sketch to communicate my understanding of a sketch artist depicting a Civil War Battle.