Exceptionally Rare Civil War Photograph by George N. Barnard (1819-1902). The New Capitol, Columbia, S. C. [New York: 1866]. Albumen photograph from a negative taken in 1865, on original two-tone gilt-edged thin card mount, with plate title and photographerÕs credit. Discoloration in upper right corner and two small professionally repaired tears. Very Good tones. Dimensions: Image 10 x 13 inches; With Card Mount 15 7/8 x 19 1/2 inches. A stunning image from BarnardÕs ÔPhotographic Views of ShermanÕs CampaignÕ, an album which is one of the two greatest photographic monuments to the Civil War and Ôa landmark in the history of photographyÕ (Keith F. Davis). A contemporary reviewer wrote of this image and its companions: ÔThese photographsÉ surpass any other photographic views which have been produced in this country Ð whether relating to the war or otherwiseÕ (ÔHarperÕs WeeklyÕ, 8 December, 1866, p.771) This image comes from George N. BarnardÕs album titled Photographic Views of ShermanÕs Campaign, embracing scenes of the occupation of Nashville, the great battles around Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain, the campaign of Atlanta, March to the Sea, and the Great Raid through the Carolinas (1866). This album, together with Alexander GardnerÕs Photographic Sketchbook of the Civil War (1866) are the two greatest photographic monuments of the Civil War. Between them, they contain some of the most famous images of the War. The new State House, called here New Capitol, was under construction at the time of the great fire that ruined it and much of Columbia. (It is not known whether Union or retreating Confederate troops started the fire). The building was ultimately reconstructed, with a few significant changes, along the lines of the original building and completed in 1903. BarnardÕs photograph records the destruction of the building in a way that makes it appear not too bad (most of the damage was to the interior), and he includes in the distance one of the handsome neo-Gothic towers of the Trinity Episcopal Church, which was unharmed by the fire. Cf. De Renne p.1317; cf. Howes B150, Òb.Ó; cf. Sabin 3462; cf. Taft Photography and the American Scene pp.232 & 486. See also: George N. Barnard Photographic Views of ShermanÕs CampaignÉ with a new preface by Beaumont Newhall New York: 1977 Keith F. Davis. George N. Barnard Photographer of ShermanÕs Campaign Kansas City, Miss.: 1990 Dimensions: 15.75" x 19.25" x .1" Artist or Maker: George N. Barnard Medium: Photograph Date: 1866 Condition Report: Very Good

Very Good + Antique Condition