Ink and Watercolor sketchbook executed by George A. Robinson, Company H, Massachusetts 57th Infantry. N.p., n.d.

Oblong 8vo, 11 ¾ x 7 ¼ in. 22 pages. Original one-quarter morocco with cloth-covered boards featuring a painted illustration of a bald eagle, the Massachusetts 57th flag crossed with the American flag with battle honors, and the illustrator’s name and regiment.

A remarkable sketchbook by Pvt. George A. Robinson of the 57th MA, possibly executed while he was healing from a wound received during the Petersburg campaign. The book features 21 watercolor and ink portraits of Confederate soldiers and officers, identified by rank and regiment,  with particular interest given to their unique uniforms. The artist renders his figures in dynamic poses with shapely calves and pointed feet, giving the drawings a near-theatrical quality. With an excellent use of color and shading, exquisite detail is captured, with special attention paid to accoutrement, rank insignia, and decorative braiding. 

While several standard-issue Confederate uniforms are represented, Robinson includes the uniforms of several Zouave regiments, including the famous "Louisiana Tigers" (no. 9). Another interesting example is a Virginia infantry Sergeant wearing a buckskin coat with infantry-blue fringe on the sleeves and hems (no. 15). The final portrait of a South Carolina Corporal is notable for the inclusion of Palmetto insignia on his kepi, breast plate, and waist belt plate. He also carries a First National Flag bearing 7 stars. A complete list is included below. 

Robinson mustered into Company H on 11 January 1864 as a machinist. After being sick in May 1864 and wounded in July 1864, Robinson would only serve in the Company another year before mustering out on 5 July 1865 due to his wounds. Following the War, he was a member of GAR Post #164 in Belvidere, Illinois, and #10 in Worcester, Massachusetts. 

Robinson was wounded right after the Siege of Petersburg, so perhaps this sketchbook was a pastime while he healed and saw all the different Confederate soldiers around him. 

Watercolors, in order: 

1. Colonel, South Carolina Infantry, 2nd Regiment

2. Lt. Colonel, Virginia Artillery

3. Captain, Georgia Cavalry

4. Captain, Louisiana Zouaves

5. Sergeant-Major, South Carolina Infantry

6. Lieutenant-Colonel, Texas Infantry

7. 1st Lieutenant, Mississippi Cavalry

8. Corporal, Louisiana Zouaves

9. 1st Lieutenant, Louisiana Tigers Zouaves

10. Major, Georgia Cavalry

11. Sergeant, Virginia Cavalry

12. Private, Mississippi Infantry

13. Major, Georgia Clinch Rifles

14. Sergeant, South Carolina Infantry

15. Sergeant, Virginia Infantry

16. Captain, Virginia Cavalry

17. Private, Florida Cavalry

18. Sergeant, Maryland Zouaves

19. Major, Texas Cavalry

20. Corporal, Texas Infantry

21. Corporal, South Carolina Zouaves

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Relics, Militaria] [Art, Folk Art, Military Art, Etching, Engraving, Lithographs, Prints, Ephemera] [Veterans, Veterans’ Organizations, Fraternal Organizations] [GAR, Grand Army of the Republic] [UCV, United Confederate Veterans, UDC, United Daughters of the Confederacy]

Spine has separated and frayed some. Pages have clearly been cut out since sketchbook starts at page 25.