Beschreibung:

CIVIL WAR]. LEE, Robert E. (1807-1870). General, Confederate States of America . Vannerson & Jones, Photographers . Oval photograph signed ("R E Lee"), Richmond, VA, n.d. Albumen photograph, oval, 7 1/8 x 5 1/8 inches, affixed to original card mount, two thin lines of gilt encircling the image, mat-burn from old frame, minor dampstaining and abrasion to image . LEE'S MOST FAMOUS WARTIME PHOTOGRAPH An impressive image of Lee, taken during the lull before the start of Grant's bloody spring offensive in 1864. Of only eight photographs of Lee known to have been taken during the Civil War, the present is the only full standing portrait. Lee is shown in an erect stance, in full uniform and sash, holding a pair of gloves in his right hand and with his left hand resting on the pommel of his dress sword. "The standing view is especially notable in that Lee is wearing both his military sash and his dress sword--the only time he was ever photographed in his sash" (Meredith, The Face of Robert E. Lee , p. 40). Lee disliked sitting for photographs, which explains the paucity of wartime views. He agreed to go to Vannerson, whose work was considered comparable to that of Matthew Brady, to provide an image for the Richmond ladies who were requesting a new likeness. The photos were also to be used by the sculptor Edward Valentine who was planning to make a statuette of the general to be sold at a Liverpool Bazaar for the benefit of disabled Confederate veterans.