Civil War Zouaves at Gaines Mill Cold Harbor Chickahominy Virginia Vintage Print

Description

Antique Print Description
This is an original engraved print titled,
"The Army Of The Potomac-The Battle Of The Chickahominy, Friday, June 27, 1862.-Porter Attacked By An Overwhelming Force Of Rebels.-Sketched By Mr. A. R. Waud."
It was published in a Civil War era Harper's Weekly, July 26, 1862. Read a seletion of the descriptive text, below. You may also be interested in
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Title:
The Army Of The Potomac-The Battle Of The Chickahominy, Friday, June 27, 1862.-Porter Attacked By An Overwhelming Force Of Rebels.-Sketched Bt Mr. A. R. Waud.-
Artist/Photographer:
A R Waud
Publisher:
Harper's Weekly
Medium Used:
Wood Engraving
Year:
July 26, 1862
Size:
Full page with ample margins for framing; print measures: 9.5" x 14"
Condition:
Excellent
Description:
Dated Original Authentic Civil War Era Antique Print
From the Harper's Weekly...BATTLE OF THE CHICKAHOMINY
"ON page 468 we reproduce Mr. Waud's sketch of the BATTLE OF THE CHICKAHOMINY, which was fought on Friday, 27th. We have already described this fight, and will only add Mr. Waud's account of it:
"The next day the rebels in great force attacked M'Call again, now sustained by Porter's division, Slocum's division, and Sykes's brigade of regulars, and part of Sumner's command. These sustained an unequal and bloody fight with the rebel hosts till nightfall, when they were withdrawn across the Chickahominy, blowing up the fine bridges which our engineers had built in their rear. Our sketch represents Sykes's brigade standing firm before the rebel efforts to overwhelm our lines. Beyond Sykes's, on the right, was McCall's and Franklin's; but the smoke was so heavy that it was difficult to see much of the field at once. The heavy smoke beyond was caused by the destruction of commissary stores by fire, to prevent them falling into the hands of the enemy."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are those odd lines on the image a defect in the print?
Antique prints often have faint vertical or horizontal lines visible. Rather than a defect, they are a fascinating historical artifact of the popular engraving process employed by newspapers at the time of the Civil War? During the war, newspaper publishers needed a method where they could get the illustrations produced by newspaper artists in the battlefield to the American public as quickly as possible.
To do this, the illustration was divided into sections usually two inches square. Double page prints were divided into as many as 40 sections. The section was traced onto a wood block. Engravers cut into the wood with various tools creating a mirror image of their section of the illustration. The blocks were then screwed together, recreating the original illustration. This would then be inked and stamped onto the newsprint. The lines on the image above are a result of where the blocks of wood were joined together.
Will my antique print deteriorate?
Before 1870, newspapers were not made from wood pulp as they are today. Instead, they were printed on a sturdy paper made by pulping linen rags. These rags came from clothing and ship sails. Because this kind of paper contains very little acid, your antique print could easily retain its appearance for many years into the future, if handled properly.
Why do people purchase antique prints and maps?
Antique prints and maps portray a moment in history. Because they represent a broad range of subjects, they are particularly useful when looking for a unique gift. Interior design has become a huge market for antique prints. From small framed botanicals to large Civil War maps, from large framed old city views to a collection of framed Harper's satirical cartoons, antique prints provide a world of design possibility. If properly framed, antique prints and maps can be preserved for many decades.
Is this item really authentic or just a reproduction?
You can have confidence that the item you purchase is guaranteed to be an original and not a modern day reproduction of any kind.
Can I return an item I purchase?
All purchases come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, return the item within 14 days for a full refund. (We do ask you pay the return shipping costs.)