Housed in a wonderfully ornate frame, this original oil portrait miniature depicts Confederate General William Beall in his officer’s uniform. Beall was born in Kentucky, raised in Arkansas, and eventually graduated from West Point in 1848. He spent most of his time between then and the outbreak of the Civil War engaged in various operations against Native Americans in the West. When the war began, the lifelong soldier resigned his commission to serve as a cavalry officer for the Confederate Army, where he saw plenty of action in the deep south. He was eventually made a prisoner-of-war after the fall of Port Hudson, Louisiana in 1863. Of interest is that Beall was paroled in 1864 and allowed to open an office in New York City, ostensibly to conduct business related to supplying Confederate prisoners-of-war. Apparently too good at his job, he was placed back in prison by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. After the war, Beall settled in St. Louis, and worked as a merchant. He died there in 1883.

This oil miniature dates to the 19th century and is unsigned, though the consignor notes that it originated from a descendant of Beall himself. It is very well executed and in excellent condition. Housed in an ornate wood frame consistent with the period. Measures ~9 x 8 inches (framed)

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [19th Century Photography, Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Tintype, CDV, carte-de-visite, albumen, cabinet card]