Civil War cartes de visite albums

Collection

Identifier: D.520

Staff Only

Historical Note

The American Civil War was the first prolonged conflict recorded by photography. By the 1860s, cartes de visite dominated commercial photography. These 2 1/2 by 4 inch portraits were cheap and easy to make, and especially popular with soldiers, who wanted to leave an image behind for their friends and family. Albums like those in this collection were specially made to fit these types of images. By 1861, carte de visite portraits of the nation's leaders and prominent military figures became mass produced collectibles. Many of these were based on images created by photographer Matthew Brady, who sold the photographic negatives to companies who distributed them for sale across the United States.

Scope and Contents

Collection contains two carte de visite albums of soldiers, politicans, and members of the Presidential cabinet during the American Civil War. Both the Union and the Confederacy are represented. All images are labeled with the name of the person depicted. Both albums appear to be compiled by the same person.

Dates

Creation: 1861-1865

Language of Materials

English

Extent

2 volume(s)

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Conditions Governing Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Civil War Carte de Visite Albums, D.520, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester