Volck, Adalbert John, 1828-1912 Tracks of the armies
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00493.15 Author/Creator: Volck, Adalbert John, 1828-1912 Place Written: s.l. Type: Print Date: circa 1880-1890 Pagination: 1 etching : b&w ; 25.8 x 34.6 cm. Order a Copy
Depicts a Confederate soldier returning home to find his home destroyed and his wife and dog dead. All of his belongings lay scattered and ruined, while in the distance another building burns. Vultures are perched above, more symbols of death. It is significant to note that the bare breast of the dead wife is exposed in the rubble, suggesting that she may have been the victim of sexual assault as well as murder. Although Volck does not specify which army committed such atrocities against civilians in his title, it was understood by all who viewed the sketch that it was the Union army that was implicated. Size in extent is for the mount. The actual size of the etching is 20.5 x 26.6 cm. Title in pencil on verso.
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