Large and dramatic portrait of a proud African American Civil War veteran. The man, likely in his 60s or 70s, sports a salt-and pepper beard and white hair. Pinned to the breast of his GAR frock coat are two related badges: his GAR badge and a more ornate companion badge that may indicate a leadership role in a GAR lodge. Black veterans formed many GAR posts; these were important centers of African American communities throughout the country. Many other posts were racially integrated, a remarkable accomplishment for the era. The organization got its start in Illinois in 1866 and peaked with a membership of 400,000 in 1890. This subject was one of its members, and likely held an important leadership position.

The image measures 7 3/8" x 9 3/8". The verso is marked with an artist's note: "sepia." This refers to the overall tone of the image. 

[Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Tintypes, Cased Images, Union Cases, Albumen Photographs, CDVs, Carte de Visites, Cartes de Visite, Carte-de-visite, Cartes-de-visite, CDV, Cabinet Cards, Stereoviews, Stereocards] [African Americana, African American History, Black History, Slavery, Enslavement, Abolition, Emancipation] [USCT, United States Colored Troops, Glory, 54th Massachusetts, Buffalo Soldiers, Black Soldiers] [Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Medals, Corps Badges, Badges] [Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations, Fraternal Organizations] [GAR, Grand Army of the Republic]